West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed deep shock and distress over the mismanagement witnessed at Salt Lake Stadium, where chaos erupted during football icon Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata. Taking to social media, the Chief Minister issued a public apology to Messi and to thousands of sports lovers who had gathered at the stadium hoping to catch a glimpse of the global football star.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she wrote on X.
In her statement, Banerjee said she was herself on the way to the stadium to attend the programme when the incident unfolded. Calling the developments “deeply disturbing,” she apologised for the unfortunate turn of events that overshadowed what was meant to be a celebratory occasion for football fans in the state.
The Chief Minister also announced the formation of a high-level enquiry committee to probe the incident. The committee will be chaired by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, serving as members. According to Banerjee, the panel has been tasked with conducting a detailed enquiry, fixing responsibility, and recommending measures to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future.
Reiterating her apology, the Chief Minister said she deeply regretted the inconvenience and disappointment caused to fans and sports lovers, underlining the state’s commitment to upholding safety and dignity at major sporting events.
The visit, part of Messi’s GOAT Tour India 2025, was expected to be a historic celebration of the sport in the City of Joy. However, the event turned chaotic when thousands of fans, who had gathered in hopes of seeing the Argentine star up close, became frustrated at restricted access and limited visibility, leading to bottles being thrown, banners vandalised, and chairs broken inside the ground. Messi was ultimately forced to cut short his time at the venue and leave early for safety reasons as disorder grew among disappointed attendees.
