'Organisers Arrested, Tickets to Be Refunded': West Bengal DGP Assures Angry Messi Fans After Chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Messi India Tour: Following chaotic scenes at Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar addressed the media, confirming that the event organisers have been arrested and that ticket refunds will be issued to the fans soon.

“We have already arrested the organiser, and the tickets which have been sold should be refunded,” he said.

The DGP explained that police action became necessary due to large-scale confusion and unrest at the event. He stated that fans were disappointed after realising that football star Lionel Messi was not scheduled to play but was only expected to make a brief appearance, which triggered anxiety and anger within the crowd.

“There was some kind of anger or anxiety in the fans saying that he's not playing. The plan was that he would come here, wave, meet certain people and leave,” he added.

He also announced that the state government has constituted a committee to examine every aspect of the event, including possible lapses or mismanagement by the organisers.

“Now the government has already constituted a committee that will look into all aspects, including whether there was any mismanagement on the organiser's side or anything else,” he told the media.

Later, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Jawed Shamim spoke about the ground situation and the police response. He said restoring peace was the immediate priority and confirmed that normalcy has now returned in and around the stadium.

“Peace has to be restored immediately. That has been taken care of. Traffic is normal. People have all gone back home. The incident has been localised and limited to Salt Lake Stadium,” Shamim said.

He further reiterated that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the incident.

“We will ensure that whoever is responsible for this thing that has happened today at Salt Lake Stadium will be punished, and all kinds of action will be taken against the concerned authorities,” he added.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has also condemned the chaotic scenes that unfolded at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium today  calling it a 'Dark Day for Kolkata Sports’

The Bengal governor's office said "The Governor is shocked at the pell-mell due to utter lack of management and planning in ensuring smooth conduct of proceedings at the Salt Lake Stadium surrounding's Messi's visit. While the organisers of the event are to be blamed squarely for the situation that unfolded, it is also the police that has failed the Government, the people and the Chief Minister who is also the Home Minister. Due to their inaction this day can be said to be a dark day for the sports-loving people of Kolkata," as quoted by ANI.

West Bengal CM Apologises After Messi's 20-Minute Visit

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued an apology after a massive chaos broke out in Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata

In a post on X, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “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.”

Apologising to Messi and his fans, Banerjee said, “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”

"Assault on Bengal's Pride": Adhikari Slams Messi "Loot-Fest", Demands Mamata's Resignation

The BJP has demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State Sports Minister Anoop Biswas for what it described as "bowing India's head before the entire world" and "playing recklessly with the emotions of the people of West Bengal."

Further, the BJP's Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has also launched a scathing attack against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling the chaos "a criminal assault on West Bengal's pride and a betrayal of football lovers", adding, “Enough is enough! Shame on you.”

He accused government officials of prioritising their own access over the fans' experience.

In a post on X he wrote, "While Arup Biswas, Sujit Bose, and their bootlicking entourage of 100+ VIP vultures swarmed Messi like leeches in a bloodbath, the real fans? Stuck in galleries, staring at a measly 5-7 minutes on a giant screen! No direct view, just betrayal."

He also demanded a full refund for the fans, the immediate arrest of the state sports minister and the resignation of Mamta, stating the 'REAL khela' has been exposed now.

"My Demands as Leader of the Opposition:
1. FULL 100% REFUND for every gallery ticket holder; return every paisa you stole. 
2. IMMEDIATE ARREST of Sports Minister Arup Biswas, Fire Minister Sujit Bose, and sham organiser Shatadru Dutta for this government-sponsored lawlessness, loot, and chaos. 
3. MAMATA BANERJEE MUST RESIGN for dragging West Bengal's name through the mud on the global stage. Step down before you destroy what's left of our state's soul.

Pre-election selfies with Messi for "Khela Hobe" propaganda? Now the cheated spectators have shown you what REAL khela looks like, exposing your corrupt circus to the world," he added.