Mamata Banerjee's public apology to Messi, fans after Kolkata event chaos

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a public apology to Lionel Messi and his fans in Kolkata over the chaos that unfolded at his event at Salt Lake Stadium this morning. Banerjee said she was shocked by the "mismanagement" and ordered an inquiry committee to probe what led to the nightmarish turn of events.

"I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident," said Banerjee, who was on her way to the stadium to attend the event, reports NDTV.

Angry fans broke security protocols and vandalized the stadium this morning, unable to catch a glimpse of the Argentine star during his nearly half-hour appearance, causing massive embarrassment for the ruling Trinamool just months before elections.

A committee led by a former judge and comprising top bureaucrats would now conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident, the chief minister said.

"I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members. The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future," read her apology post.

Her party blamed the incident on a "crowd of hooligans" that it said has left Kolkata "ashamed".

Messi, an icon for millions of football fans across the world, had arrived in Kolkata early this morning in the first leg of his three-day India tour. After unveiling a statue of himself in the city, he had reached Salt Lake Stadium, where his fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer. 

However, many couldn't, despite paying between Rs 3,500 and Rs 14,000 for a ticket, as the BJP accused "inept Trinamool leaders" of surrounding the player.

The frustration exploded into a violent outburst as hundreds of fans stormed the ground. Some even threw bottles and chairs. Vandalism of stadium infrastructure followed, as the police struggled to ensure law and order. With the situation spiraling out of control, Messi had to be whisked away by the organisers of the 'GOAT tour,' including promoter Shatadru Dutta. 

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, former India captain Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Banerjee couldn't participate in the event as it was cut short amid the chaos.

The BJP ripped into Banerjee and accused her party of political one-upmanship and "sheer mismanagement" at the event.

"Total embarrassment on an international stage. A global legend like Messi will see a massive public turnout and yet zero planning & very little security! CM Mamata Banerjee can't even organise or manage an event," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala.

The BJP's IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, called it a "huge disgrace" that will remain etched in the pages of history forever and called for the resignation of the state sports minister.

"For bringing an international player like Messi to West Bengal, playing with the emotions of ordinary people, and pushing them towards such serious risk, the State Sports Minister, Aroop Biswas, must resign immediately," he said.

The Trinamool, in an attempt to defend itself from the allegations, hit out at the organisers.

"Why wasn't Messi kept alone ahead during the stadium lap? Why were the gallery spectators deprived? Did this enhance Kolkata's reputation? Why didn't the incompetent organizers leave even a mark of minimal planning? Just money? Just business? Because of these organizers and some hooligans, everyone was deprived. Kolkata was shamed. The spectators' anger is justified," said Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh.