"Condemn BJP for bringing politics into sports events": TMC MP Saugata Roy on Kolkata's Messi event chaos
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy on Sunday said that the Chief Minister has appointed an inquiry committee to probe the mismanagement during Argentine footballer Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium and added that it is not appropriate to comment on the matter until the panel submits its findings.
ANI
Dec 14, 2025 14:50 IST
Dumdum (West Bengal) [India], December 14 (ANI): Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy on Sunday said that the Chief Minister has appointed an inquiry committee to probe the mismanagement during Argentine footballer Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake Stadium and added that it is not appropriate to comment on the matter until the panel submits its findings.
"The Chief Minister has appointed an inquiry committee. The committee will find out anything (responsible). So it is not for us to comment on the matter. I condemn the BJP for bringing politics into a sports event," Roy told ANI.
On Saturday, Messi's Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour descended into chaos after fans expressed disappointment when the Argentine legend left Salt Lake Stadium much earlier than planned, leaving the crowd angry.
Many fans who paid a hefty amount to watch a glimpse of the football icon Messi became angry and began throwing water bottles and chairs from the stands. The angry mob also entered the ground and tried to vandalise the tent and the goal post.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata was a private event organised by a PR agency and the federation was not involved in the "planning or execution" of the event at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
The AIFF underlined that maintaining order and ensuring the safety and security of everyone involved must remain the top priority in such high-profile events.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee 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)
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