Chaos Marred Lionel Messi’s Kolkata Appearance: AIFF President’s Remarks

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi with West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

Introduction

The recent appearance of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi in Kolkata turned chaotic, triggering a response from Kalyan Chaubey, the president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). He attributed the disorder to political maneuvering and protocol failures during the event at Salt Lake Stadium.

AIFF President Speaks Out

In a conversation with ANI, Chaubey criticized the event for deviating from its original sporting intent. “What we witnessed has turned into a personal event for the West Bengal Sports Minister. The media coverage highlighted more of the Minister than Messi, serving as a platform for election canvassing and personal interests,” he remarked.

Importance of Strict Protocol

Chaubey emphasized the necessity of adhering to established protocols when hosting international stars. “If proper protocols had been followed, we would not have faced this situation,” he asserted, calling for Bengal to take this lesson seriously for future events.

AIFF’s Official Statement

The AIFF released an official statement expressing deep concern regarding the chaos at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where around 50,000 fans had gathered to see Messi alongside other stars like Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.

Many fans invested significant amounts for tickets, with prices ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹20,000 on the black market.

Unruly Fan Reactions

Within minutes of Messi’s arrival, the atmosphere turned tense as a human barricade of politicians, police, and aides frustrated paying fans. This led to unrest, with fans throwing bottles, vandalizing seats, and damaging stadium infrastructure before the police restored order.

AIFF Distances Itself from Event

Clarifying its position, the AIFF stated that it was not involved in organizing the event. “This was a private event managed by a PR agency. We were not involved in its planning or execution, and no clearance had been sought,” the federation clarified.

Conclusion

What was supposed to be a celebration of sportsmanship ended in disorder, echoing a crucial need for organization and respect for protocols during high-profile events. The incident serves as a warning for future hosting of international stars, ensuring that events focus on sporting integrity and the fans.

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