Mamata Banerjee Apologises to Lionel Messi After Chaos Shocks Kolkata Fans

Mamata Banerjee publicly apologised to Lionel Messi after severe mismanagement at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium led to chaos, anger, and disappointment among thousands of fans. The event turned ugly when Messi cut short his appearance, leaving ticket holders furious despite paying high prices. The state government has now ordered an enquiry to fix responsibility and prevent such incidents again.

What Was Meant to Be a Historic Football Moment

The Salt Lake Stadium was packed with excitement as fans gathered to see Lionel Messi in person. Many travelled long distances and paid between five thousand and twenty five thousand rupees for tickets. Expectations were high, and emotions were running strong. For most people, this was once in a lifetime chance. But things did not go as planned, and frustration slowly turned into anger inside the stadium.

As Messi appeared briefly and left early, confusion spread across the stands. Fans struggled to even get a clear view of him. Security arrangements looked weak, and crowd control failed at key points. This sudden breakdown triggered chaos within minutes.

Scenes of Chaos Inside Salt Lake Stadium

Videos shared online showed fans breaking barricades and throwing bottles and chairs. Some people shouted slogans, while others demanded refunds. Many felt cheated and disrespected after spending hard earned money. The situation worsened because no clear announcement or explanation was given at the right time.

Several fans said VVIP movement around Messi blocked the view for regular ticket holders. This added fuel to the anger. Police presence was questioned by many, as people felt action came too late.

Mamata Banerjee’s Apology and Strong Words

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the issue publicly on social media. She said she was deeply disturbed and shocked by what happened at the stadium. She apologised directly to Lionel Messi and also to all sports lovers who came with hope and excitement.

She clarified that she herself was on the way to attend the event when the chaos unfolded. Her message tried to calm the situation, but also accepted that serious mistakes were made in management and planning.

Enquiry Committee Formed to Fix Responsibility

To ensure accountability, Mamata Banerjee announced the formation of an enquiry committee. The committee will be led by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with senior government officials as members. Their task is to conduct a detailed investigation, identify who failed, and suggest steps so such embarrassment never happens again.

This move shows the government is taking the matter seriously, especially since the incident damaged the image of the state in front of a global sports icon.

Why Fans Felt Deeply Hurt and Angry

For fans, this was not just another event. Lionel Messi is an emotion, especially for Indian football lovers. Many people saved money just to see him for few seconds. When that dream broke, emotions exploded. Fans did not just want apologies, they wanted respect and proper planning.

Some called the event an absolute disgrace. Others openly demanded refunds. The anger was not only about Messi leaving early, but about feeling ignored after paying premium prices.

A Lesson for Future Global Sports Events

This incident has raised serious questions about how large international events are managed in India. Hosting a global star needs strict planning, crowd control, and transparency. One small failure can turn celebration into chaos.