Fans rip seats in Kolkata stadium during the Messi India Tour

Lionel Messi tours India After angry fans in Kolkata, there was disorder in Kolkata Salt Lake Stadium According to several reports, when the footballer’s appearance ended sooner than expected by many fans, they ripped up the seats and threw things towards the pitch.

Viral footage The stadium was damaged, with seats being torn and thrown as the security staff tried to control the crowd.

What happened at Salt Lake Stadium

Reuters reports that Messi was in the stadium for about 20 minutes, and acknowledged supporters before leaving. Fans complained that it was difficult to see Messi during his appearance because he was so closely surrounded.

As the frustration grew in the crowd, it was clear that Messi would not be appearing again. Fans tore up seats and threw bottles and other objects towards the pitch.

West Bengal Chief Minster Mamata Banerjee expressed her “deeply shocked and disturbed by the mismanagement.”

West Bengal police arrested the main organizer of the event, Satadru dutta. Indian media reported that he has been placed in police custody pending further investigation. According to The GuardianThe police reported that the event organizer had promised in writing to refund all tickets purchased for the concert. There has not yet been an official announcement of the refund process.

Early estimates of damage varied between reports. Times of India said Public Works Department officials initially assessed damage to government assets at more than ₹2.5 lakh (€2,361), while another report put broader losses, including claims from vendors and equipment providers, at around ₹2.5 crore (€237,000). Officials said that the higher figures included private claims, and they have not been formally confirmed.

Messi unveiled in Kolkata a 70-foot tall statue of him on Saturday, 12 December.

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