BBC Online :
The first stop on Lionel Messi’s tour of India descended into chaos as fans ripped up stadium seats and threw items after his appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium was cut short.
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 tour’, a series of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
His tour began with the unveiling of a 70ft statue of himself in Kolkata, which had been assembled over the course of 27 days by a 45-strong crew.
It was unveiled virtually due to security reasons, meaning thousands of fans instead travelled to the city’s stadium for a chance to see the footballer.
They were chanting, buying jerseys and wearing “I love Messi” headbands.
Messi initially walked around the stadium waving to fans, but after his appearance was abruptly ended on Saturday, 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 players of all time – had been expected to play a short exhibition game at the stadium, the AFP news agency reports.
