Messi Kolkata event chaos had brought what was supposed to be a once in a lifetime event to become a terrible nightmare of how dangerous the control over the crowd can become when sporting passion collides with poor organisation. The highly hyped arrival of Lionel Messi in Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday should have been a tribute to the greatness of the footballing sport and the Indian endearment with the sport. Rather, it degenerated into moments of confusion, anger and destruction and the Argentine legend was forced to end his visit after a short time of no more than 20 minutes.

Since the time Messi landed in the city in early morning, there was high expectation. Thousands people assembled in different parts of Kolkata to meet the global icon who started his India tour at Lake Town where he inaugurated a tall 21 metre tall statue of himself holding the world cup. It was a joyful, near triumphant atmosphere, with the fans in the Argentina, Barcelona and inter Miami colours hoping it will be a day to remember.

To begin with, when fans flooded the Salt Lake Stadium, which was remodeled to host the Under-17 world cup in 2017, it was evident that the demand was much higher than the planning. Tickets cost between 4,500 and almost 20,000 money that most followers called a salary every month. The supporters came as early as before sunrise when they were desperate enough to have a clear view of their idol the football player.

But the frustrations had started boiling during the events when Messi was seen among a tight circle of organisers, officials and political leaders which remotely restricted access of the people. To the majority of fans, the only thing they could see of Messi is the giant screens situated in the stadium. The frustration of the fans increased with every passing minute, and the fans, by openly expressing dissatisfaction as to why they had spent so much just to watch politicians being nearer to Messi than long-term fans of the club, speaking cordially.

The case aggravated fast. Bottles and other objects were thrown in the pitch and this reminded the audience of the notorious World Cup semi-final riot at Eden Gardens in 1996. Fans broke through barriers and rushed to the front crushing security guards. Chairs were torn off and thrown, tents were destroyed and parts of the stadium were in evident distress. Police found it difficult to control themselves because mayhem and anarchy broke out in various stalls.

Meanwhile, the announcement was repeated to calm down. Over the public address system, organiser Satadru Dutta was reminding the crowd that they had paid a huge amount to get here and that Messi would go back home, should the area surrounding him not be cleared. Those appeals were not heeded to the largest. Every stir of the Argentine superplayer caused new waves among the crowd with a number of them trying to bring their cameras nearer to get a shot, or even have an opportunity of waving him.

Messi did make a moment of receiving the supporters greeting them with waves as the stadium became noisy with applause. He was also introduced to old players of Kolkata club who organized a friendly match and was offered a Mohun Bagan Jersey by the club leaders. But the air was already tainted. The reactions of boos swept the entire crowd not directed central but at the perceived poor management, and the obvious presence of the political elites hanging around Messi.

Lastly, as the situation remained unstable even with security in place, Messi was taken out of the stadium, and the Kolkata leg of his tour was cut short. The disillusionment was great. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came out to state later that she was extremely upset and shocked at the misadministration in the venue and she said she echoed the sentiments of the thousands who were in support of her.

To a large number of fans, the event was gut wrenching. The vast majority of the fans expressed this general feeling: “People have emptied one-month salary to watch Messi,” one of the fans told. Messi gave the impression of betrayal but it was the organisational failures that caused the devotion to turn into disappointment.

Messi then went to Hyderabad, where increased security was to be met including an intended exhibition match of 7v7 and a musical evening to celebrate his career. But the destruction in Kolkata was already completed. What was supposed to be recalled as a historical anniversary turned out to be an illustration.

Messi Kolkata event disaster is a bitter experience to Indian sport. International stars are very delicate to visit and passion should be accompanied by very careful planning, candor and admiration of fans. Lacking such a balance, even the most significant things may fall apart, leaving the breakups where the happiness was to be achieved.

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