‘Hardly got a glimpse’: Indian fans riot as Lionel Messi cuts appearance short due to violence
Lionel Messi’s tour of India has not kicked off smoothy, with fans invading and destroying the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium due to his brief appearance on Saturday.
Messi was scheduled to make a 45-minute appearance as part of his ‘GOAT Tour’ at the stadium in Kolkata, but instead his time in the spotlight was reduced to just 20 minutes.
However, it was the fact that fans, who had paid upwards of $58 AUD to attend the event, could barely see the Argentinian that truly ignited the chaos in the stands.
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Messi took to the field after unveiling a 21-metre stature of him holding the World Cup – the largest reported statue of any footballer in history.
Argentina soccer icon Messi waves his hand. NurPhoto via Getty Images
The 38-year-old was followed by his teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, however, the trio could not be seen due to the large entourage around them.
The trio did not complete a full lap of the stadium before they left the field, despite event organisers declaring that Messi would be playing in a short exhibition match followed by a penalty shootout.
Those events never unfolded at Salt Lake Stadium, sparking violent scenes around the ground.
Some fans were seen throwing objects at the turf, while others resorted to damaging all objects within their path.
Angry fans vandalise banners, throw bottles, ripped up seats and threw them on the pitch after Argentina football star Lionel Messi’s early departure. Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Footage has emerged across social media of fans breaking chairs, tents and climbing over railings that separated them from making their way onto the pitch.
One fan who was in attendance at the event told ANI news agency that Messi was simply surrounded by actors, politicians and leaders, much to the discontent of fans.
The fan also confirmed that he paid over 12,000 rupees (around $130 AUD) for his ticket.
“Messi left quickly. I think he felt unsafe,” another fan told Reuters.
Angry fans vandalise banners, throw bottles, ripped up seats and threw them on the pitch after Argentina football star Lionel Messi’s early departure. Hindustan Times via Getty Images
“I hardly got a glimpse of him. I can’t believe there was so much mismanagement.”
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi for the scenes that unfolded at the stadium before ensuring fans she had ordered a probe into the incident.
No comment has been made by Messi following the incident.
A fan breaks down in tears after Argentina football star Lionel Messi’s early departure. Hindustan Times via Getty Images
It is not the first time that fans have rioted at Salt Lake Stadium, with a football match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in 2012 creating unwanted headlines.
That match was abandoned mid-way through fan riots as a player became seriously injured due to being hit in the face by a brick that was thrown from the stands.
The next stop of Messi’s tour around India is in Mumbai, where he will participate in a fashion showcase. He will then move to Delhi and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
