WB Governor CV Ananda Bose slammed organisers for commercialising Lionel Messi's GOAT tour after chaos at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. Fans vandalised property, leading to the organiser's arrest. A judicial inquiry has been suggested.
Governor Slams Organisers for Commercialisation
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday slammed the organisers for "callously commercialising" the GOAT India tour of Football Icon Lionel Messi and completely "ignoring" the sentiments of fans after chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata during the event.
"The organizers have callously gone the way of commercialisation of Messi's visit here and ignored the sentiments of the fans. After all it is fans who make an icon an icon. Fans have the right to see their hero. Knowing all these things the organisers only focused on money-making, which a civilised society cannot endure," CV Ananda Bose said. Governor CV Ananda Bose urged people not to blame the fans for their reaction after authorities failed to meet expectations. "The fan mentality should be understood properly. We cannot blame them. They came with great expectations to see their hero. The concerned authorities did not take care of these instances, which is where the failure lies. The organisers are all those associated with the event," he said.
Chaos Erupts at Salt Lake Stadium
Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour descended into chaos on Saturday as fans who paid high ticket prices at Salt Lake Stadium's event began throwing bottles and attempting to break the gates between the stands after the Argentine legend left early. Angry fans resorted to vandalism at the Kolkata stadium, alleging poor event management and criticising VIPs and politicians for 'hogging' the football icon's attention and time to the extent that fans did not even get a glimpse of Messi.
The situation escalated when angry fans attempted to enter the ground to vandalise the tent and the goal post. To control the situation, police personnel used mild force to disperse the angry crowd from the ground.
Organiser Arrested, Judicial Inquiry Suggested
West Bengal police has arrested the organiser of Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour event for mismanagement of the event. "The organiser has been arrested, and an investigation has been done," the West Bengal Governor said.
CV Ananda Bose said that he has suggested the state government to order a judicial inquiry, demand the refund of ticket prices and compensate the stadium authorities for the damage. "This resulted from the mismanagement. The organiser who conducted this event did not take any precaution necessary while holding such a huge congregation... The suggestion given for the directives issued to the government are - order a judicial inquiry into the event... Immediately arrest the organiser, ticket should be refunded, the account of the organizer to be frozen immediately, organiser must compensate the damage to the public property in the stadium, injured should be taken care of and the responsibility should be taken by the organiser and the government," he said.
Governor Calls for 'Severe Action'
"Police have failed their own government and the constitution... Severe action should be taken against those found guilty of the lapses... What happened shamed India... Using Messi and sports for making money should be prohibited... I am sure the government will look into the matter and I am happy that the suggestion to order a judicial inquiry has been accepted," he added.
Chief Minister Apologises to Fans
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also apologised to fans after Messi's Kolkata event turned into chaos. "I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," Mamta Banerjee wrote on X.(ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)