The promoter and organiser of football superstar Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025, Satadru Dutta, was produced before the Bidhannagar Court on Sunday, a day after his arrest in connection with the chaotic scenes at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The court sent Dutta to 14 days of police custody as investigations continue into the incident that disrupted Messi’s much-anticipated visit.
The Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour descended into disorder on Saturday when fans, many of whom had paid high ticket prices, grew angry after Messi left the venue earlier than expected. Frustration among the crowd quickly escalated, with spectators throwing bottles and attempting to break gates between the stands. Several fans alleged gross mismanagement of the event and accused VIPs and politicians of monopolising Messi’s time, leaving the general public disappointed after failing to even catch a glimpse of the Argentine icon.
The situation worsened when a section of the crowd tried to enter the ground and vandalised parts of the setup, including the tent and a goalpost. Police personnel intervened and used mild force to disperse the crowd and restore order
