New Delhi, December 13 (EFE). – Indian security forces filed police charges against groups of supporters in Kolkata this Saturday after widespread unrest broke out over the brevity of the visit of footballer Lionel Messi, whose appearance at the stadium lasted just 22 minutes and was described by spectators as a “cheat”.
Police used lathicharge near the Hyatt Hotel where the Argentine star was staying to disperse hundreds of angry fans who had gathered after the event to protest against the GOAT Tour organizers.
The outbreak of violence in the streets was the culmination of a chaotic day that began at Salt Lake Stadium, where thousands of people who had paid for tickets worth up to 10,000 rupees (more than $100) saw their expectations dashed when the player was hastily evacuated.
The star stayed at the venue for a total of 22 minutes and was immediately surrounded by a dense cordon of local politicians, officials and police trying to take photos with him during his brief stay on the pitch.
This visual block prevented the crowd in the stands from seeing the player. The frustration led to chairs and plastic bottles being thrown and stadium furniture destroyed, forcing Messi’s personal security team to activate extraction protocol and stop all interaction with the public.
Fans condemned the situation as a commercial scam. A supporter told local media that the event was a scam because they spent a lot of money and couldn’t even see it.
Another participant explained to the media that it was the management’s fault as the police and military were busy taking photos instead of controlling the situation, leaving fans without a show.
After the incidents at the stadium and the police charges at the hotel, the players’ delegation headed to the airport to fly to the city of Hyderabad, the next leg of their India tour, leaving behind the controversy-ridden ‘City of Joy’. EFE
(Photo) (Video)
About The Author
