“We’ve already detained the main organiser,” Kumar told reporters. “We’re taking action so that this mismanagement does not go unpunished. He has already pledged in writing that tickets sold for the event should be refunded,” he added.
Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal state, apologised to Messi and ordered an inquiry into the incident.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Banerjee, who was on her way to the event when chaos broke out, posted on social media.
“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident,” she said. “I am constituting an inquiry committee… the committee will conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
A statement from the All India Football Federation read: “The AIFF is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan [Salt Lake Stadium], where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
“This was a private event organised by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this event in any capacity. Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the federation.
“We urge all attendees to extend their full cooperation with the relevant authorities and to maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain the paramount priority.”
Messi, who played in a friendly match at the Salt Lake Stadium in 2011 in which Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0, virtually unveiled a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata on Saturday.
