Angry Fans Throw Chairs, Bottles At Messi Event In India

Angry fans attending Lionel Messi’s tour of India yesterday ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch after his appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, the AFP news agency has reported.

Thousands of adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to catch a glimpse of the football star, but were left disappointed when he emerged to walk around the pitch, and was obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities.

When the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was whisked away early by security after around 20 minutes, elements of the crowd turned hostile.

West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the events.

Messi is in India for his ‘GOAT (greatest of all time) tour’, a series of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

His tour began with the unveiling of a 70ft (21m) statue of himself in Kolkata, which had been assembled over the course of 27 days by a 45-strong crew. Messi appeared virtually due to security concerns.

Thousands of fans travelled to the city’s stadium for a chance to see the footballer in person.

They were chanting, buying jerseys and wearing “I love Messi” headbands.

Messi initially walked out at the stadium waving to fans, but after his appearance was abruptly ended yesterday, some frustrated fans stormed the pitch and vandalised banners and tents, as others hurled plastic chairs and water bottles.

The 2022 World Cup winner – considered one of football’s greatest ever players – had been expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium.