13 December,2025 04:48 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
Messi fans at vandalise stadium amid chaotic situation. Pic/PTI
West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the chaos that erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium during football icon Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata on Saturday.
While expressing disbelief over the chaos happening in Kolkata, the governor, in his statement, described the day as a dark day for the sports-loving people of Kolkata. The West Bengal governor also expressed shock at the alleged lack of planning to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings surrounding Messi's visit, reported ANI.
The Bengal Governor's office, while releasing the statement, 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 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 per ANI.
Furthermore, the West Bengal Governor also issued a series of directives to the State Government, including the arrest of the event organisers, refunds to ticket holders, and the imposition of charges on the organisers for damage to the stadium and other public property. He also called for a judicial enquiry into the entire incident and directed the suspension of police officers who failed to take necessary precautions.
He added that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) should remain prepared, and an insurance scheme should be introduced for spectators, with the premium to be paid by the sponsors and organisers.
The Governor's office also wrote, "The Governor has issued the following directives to the State Government: Arrest the organisers of the event. Refund money to those who purchased the tickets. Levy charges on the organisers for damage to the stadium and other public places Judicial enquiry into the entire matter Suspend police officers who did not take precautions. Henceforth a Standard Operating Procedure should be in place to ensure smooth conduct and proceedings for such large congregations. RAF should be ready with an insurance scheme for the spectators for which the premium is to be paid by the sponsors and organisers," as cited by news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a high-level enquiry after chaos erupted during football icon Lionel Messi's appearance at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, expressing regret over the mismanagement and apologising to the Argentine legend, his fans and sports lovers.
(With inputs from ANI)
