Lionel Messi's much awaited Kolkata leg of the G.O.A.T. Tour on Saturday became a horrific experience for thousands of fans who came to watch the star player at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, as they could not catch a glimpse of the legend. Despite paying a massive amount for the event, with tickets going from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000, several fans claimed they could not properly see the icon.
The presence of security staff and other guests in close range to Messi meant that fans could not properly see him from the stands. Fans expressed the anger by throwing bottles chairs, forced the organisers to whisk Messi away. Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the event, has been arrested after an FIR was filed, confirmed Jawed Shamim, Additional Director general (ADG) Law and Order.
Messi arrived at the venue at 11:15 am and stayed for 20 minutes. The 2022 World Cup winner was supposed to take a full lap of the stadium, but he did not because of the chaos.
What actually happened in the Stadium?
Moments after Messi entered through the tunnel, the situation spiralled out of control. Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, Who had arrived in Kolkata for the special event, along with former India skipper Sourav Ganguly and Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, were unable to be part of the programme as the event was cut short amid the chaos.
Situation was very serious, as the promoter Shatadru Datta, organiser of the G.O.A.T. Tour, had to take Messi away from the Salt Lake Stadium.
Arrest of the event organiser
Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the event, has been arrested after the event.
"The FIR has been lodged, and the chief organiser has been arrested," said Jawed Shamim, ADG Law and Order.
Shamim claimed that the organisers have assured fans that their ticket fees will be refunded, though he added that it remains to be seen how the process will be carried out.