Many fans who had paid substantial amounts to attend the event reported being unable to see the football icon clearly as confusion reigned within the venue.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh called for stringent action against the organizers, accusing them of being “overzealous” and causing a rush of people trying to crowd Messi for selfies, which obstructed access to the seating areas. Ghosh noted that the mismanagement left paying spectators exasperated and ultimately sparked the unrest.
“Why should there be no consequences for the organizers after this disaster? Where was the proper planning? What caused the chaos? It forced Messi to exit the stadium, and the chief minister of West Bengal was unable to be present to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the state’s residents,” the TMC state general secretary stated.
Labeling the situation a significant disappointment for the sports enthusiasts in the state, Ghosh reminisced, “In 2011, during Messi’s first visit to the stadium, the event was exceptionally well-organized. I recall there was a match, and Messi took a corner kick just 50 metres from my press gallery seat. Everything proceeded flawlessly, and Kolkata took pride that day.” BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya accused “some fraudsters, driven by greed for profit, of creating this scenario”.
Attributing the entire debacle to the state government, he claimed that TMC leaders supported “greedy organizers, who were focused on self-promotion, depriving ticket holders of a proper view of the football icon”.
Bhattacharya noted that this incident has damaged the state’s reputation.
Union minister and senior BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar criticized the TMC and the state administration for the disorder.
(With PTI inputs)
