TThousands of fans went wild when Leo Messi arrived in Kolkata, India, along with Rodrigo de Paul and Luis Suarez. What was supposed to be a huge event lasted just 22 minutes, but the images that went viral are embarrassing.
Salt Lake Stadium quickly became a pressure cooker, with some members of the crowd beginning to throw objects onto the field as the Argentine player was escorted out of the stadium. Salt Lake was left shattered in front of the Argentine star.
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Rude treatment of Messi and De Paul in Kolkata
Hundreds of videos are circulating on social media documenting what happened in Kolkata. The images show that the behavior of Indian fans in the stands was in a very bad light, but it was equally bad on the pitch.
But it was also striking how uncomfortable Leo and De Paul looked on the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium. At one point, Arroop Biswas, a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, got into an argument with one of the tournament organizers when he tried to get close to Messi, and rudely pushed the world champion against the man to get a photo taken.
Leo smiles for the photo but walks away as quickly as possible and his face says it all. He is not comfortable.
De Paul also attracted the attention of Indian fans, with many trying to take pictures with the world champion. But the way they tried to do it wasn’t the right one.
In the middle of the stadium, a man jumped in and grabbed De Paul’s arm without saying no. The Inter Miami player’s reaction was obvious and he shrugged him off.
The moment was so surreal that even local police officials started arguing with Messi’s private security, as he was not allowed near the Argentine star. Leo’s private security had to eliminate him multiple times, but Leo’s facial expressions said it all, he couldn’t believe what was happening.
Event organizer arrested
Following the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, Indian police have arrested the main organizer of the event.
“There was anger and anxiety among the fans when they saw Messi not playing. He was just going to say hello and leave,” West Bengal police chief Rajeev Kumar said. The detainees must have their ticket prices refunded and be investigated for mismanagement of the event.
