Messi Fans Angry in Kolkata as Supporters Throw Bottles and Chairs After Early Exit
Messi
Fans in Kolkata expressed anger after Lionel Messi left the stadium early, with bottles and chairs thrown in protest. Police and event officials are reviewing crowd control measures.
Kolkata, December 13, 2025 – Tensions flared outside a stadium in Kolkata after Lionel Messi exited early from a high-profile event, prompting some fans to react angrily by throwing bottles and stadium chairs. The disturbance highlighted the intensity of supporter passion and raised concerns about safety and crowd management during large public appearances by sports icons.
The incident occurred shortly after Messi concluded his appearance and left the venue. A large crowd had gathered, many hoping for an extended interaction or additional time with the football star. When the exit happened sooner than some fans expected, frustration quickly grew among a section of the crowd.
Several supporters, visibly upset, began hurling bottles and plastic chairs toward the exits. Police and security personnel on site acted swiftly to disperse those engaging in disruptive behavior and to prevent further unrest. No serious injuries were immediately reported, according to local authorities, though a few people suffered minor scrapes and bruises amid the confusion.
Organisers said that Messi’s schedule was fixed in advance and that his exit was pre-planned to stay on time with commitments. They urged fans to remain calm and respect event protocols, emphasising that security decisions are made with the safety of both the public and the athletes in mind.
Kolkata has one of the most passionate football fan bases in India, and Messi’s presence had generated excitement well ahead of the event. From early morning, fans clad in jerseys and waving flags had gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite player. Many stayed until the end of the official programme, expecting chants, selfies and autographs.
However, the early exit left some supporters disappointed. After the object-throwing incident, police reinforced barricades and increased patrolling around the stadium perimeter to prevent escalation. Local law enforcement described the episode as a “brief flare-up” but stressed that order had been restored quickly and that no arrests were necessary at the time.
Social media reactions following the incident were swift. Some fans criticised the decision to walk out early, saying celebrities should engage more with their supporters when visiting cities that show them deep admiration. Others blamed the unruly behaviour of individuals who lost control, stressing that violence and destruction are never justified.
Sports analysts weighed in with a more measured perspective, noting that emotions often run high around global stars like Messi, especially in regions with fervent support for football. They said organising bodies must anticipate such reactions and plan for enhanced crowd control, extended player interaction zones and clearer communication about event schedules to avoid misunderstandings.
Event officials mentioned they would review the incident and consult with security experts to improve planning for future visits by international athletes. They acknowledged that while excitement is a positive sign of fan engagement, safety and orderly conduct must always be ensured.
Meanwhile, many fans said that despite the disappointment, their admiration for Messi remains strong. Some shared stories of lining up for hours, singing chants and celebrating the sport’s enduring appeal. For these supporters, the moment of frustration will likely fade, leaving a lasting memory of witnessing a global icon in their city.
The Kolkata Police reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and said that guidelines for large gatherings would be reinforced at future events. Officials also urged fans to channel their passion into positive support rather than confrontational behaviour.
