Why Did Frustrated Messi Fans Resort to Throwing Chairs and Bottles at the India Stadium?

The recent tour of Lionel Messi in India has sparked significant unrest among fans, culminating in a chaotic scene at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. Thousands of supporters, who had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) for the opportunity to see the football legend, expressed their frustration after being largely unable to view him due to the presence of officials and celebrities. The situation escalated when Messi was escorted away early, leading to angry fans vandalising the venue and throwing objects onto the pitch.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The atmosphere at the Salt Lake Stadium turned sour as fans became increasingly agitated after Lionel Messi's brief appearance. Initially welcomed by thousands of chanting supporters, the excitement transformed into disappointment when he was quickly surrounded by a large entourage and then whisked away after only 20 minutes. This led to fans storming the pitch, tearing up seats, and throwing items in protest. West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has since expressed her shock at the incident and announced an inquiry into the events that transpired.

Key takeaways

Messi's appearance was marred by disappointment as fans felt excluded from seeing him.
The situation escalated into vandalism after Messi was escorted away early.
West Bengal's Chief Minister has announced an inquiry into the incident.

Timeline: how we got here

The events leading to the turmoil at Salt Lake Stadium unfolded as follows:

1 October 2023: Messi's 'GOAT tour' in India begins, featuring promotional events in various cities.
7 October 2023: A 70ft statue of Messi is unveiled in Kolkata, attracting significant media attention.
7 October 2023: Fans gather at Salt Lake Stadium for Messi's appearance, hoping to see him play an exhibition match.
7 October 2023: After a brief appearance, Messi is quickly taken away by security, leading to fan unrest.
8 October 2023: Chief Minister Banerjee announces an inquiry into the incident and extends her apologies.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest updates include the inquiry into the crowd's aggressive behaviour, with officials looking to address accountability and prevent future incidents. This comes as a response to the anger expressed by fans who felt cheated out of their experience with the football star.

What was already established

Prior to the chaos, Messi's tour was widely anticipated, with fans expressing their excitement about the chance to see one of football's greatest players. The unveiling of the statue and the promotional events had generated significant hype, especially given Messi's status following his successful World Cup campaign in 2022.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The unrest in Kolkata highlights the passionate nature of football fandom, which resonates with UK audiences familiar with similar occurrences. Such events often carry financial implications, as fans invest considerable amounts to attend matches and events, expecting a certain level of experience in return.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses involved in the event, such as ticket sellers, merchandise vendors, and local hospitality, the fallout could lead to significant reputational damage. Any future events featuring high-profile athletes may require stricter crowd management strategies to avoid similar incidents.

Policy and regulation

The inquiry launched by the West Bengal government may prompt a review of safety protocols and event management practices at large gatherings. This could lead to new regulations that ensure better crowd control and communication between event organisers and attendees.

Numbers that matter

12,000 rupees (£100; $133): The price fans paid for tickets to see Messi, equivalent to a month's salary for many.
70ft: The height of the statue unveiled in Kolkata, showcasing the significance of Messi to his fans.
20 minutes: The length of time Messi spent on the pitch before being taken away by security.

Definitions and jargon buster

GOAT: An acronym for "Greatest of All Time," often used to describe exceptional athletes.
Exhibition match: A friendly match typically held for charity or promotional purposes, rather than competition.
Enquiry: An official investigation into an event or situation to establish facts and accountability.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, fans and stakeholders will be watching the findings of the inquiry closely. Authorities will likely implement new measures to ensure fan safety and satisfaction at future events.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Messi continues his tour across India, other cities may need to adopt new safety protocols to manage large crowds effectively. This might include better communication strategies and fan engagement techniques during such high-profile events.

Signals to watch

Outcomes of the enquiry into the stadium incident.
Future attendance numbers at Messi's promotional events.
Changes to event management practices across India.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about updates on the enquiry and any changes in event management at future sports gatherings.
Engage with local fan communities to share experiences and insights.

Don’t

Don't overlook the importance of crowd safety and management at large events.
Don't assume that all events will meet the high expectations set by the popularity of the athlete.

Checklist

Check the venue's safety protocols before attending large events.
Understand ticket purchase terms and conditions.
Follow local news for updates on events and any potential changes in management practices.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the inquiry aims to address the chaos witnessed, there remain uncertainties regarding the accountability of various stakeholders involved in the event. Factors such as security arrangements, crowd management practices, and the roles of local authorities will be scrutinised. The outcome may influence how future events are organised, but it is difficult to predict the extent of changes that will occur as a result.

Bottom line

The tumultuous events at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium serve as a reminder of the passionate nature of sports fans, particularly in football. As authorities investigate the incident, it highlights the need for better crowd management and communication in future events, ensuring fans receive the experience they expect from such high-profile athletes as Lionel Messi.

FAQs

What happened during Messi's appearance in Kolkata?

During Messi's appearance, fans were disappointed when he was quickly surrounded by officials and whisked away after only 20 minutes, leading to unrest among the crowd.

How much did fans pay for tickets to see Messi?

Fans paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) for tickets to see Messi, which is equivalent to a month's salary for many individuals in India.

What actions are being taken following the incident?

West Bengal's Chief Minister has announced an enquiry into the incident to determine accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.