Messi's 'GOAT Tour': FIR against former minister Arup Biswas for ticket scam, angry spectators riot in Salt Lake

Kolkata, May 19, 2026 - Football fans in Kolkata were disappointed after spending thousands of rupees to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi. The main organizer, Sutdru Dutta, himself alleged extreme mismanagement and ticket shortages in the event called 'GOAT Tour'. On Monday, he filed a written complaint with the police station against former sports minister Arup Biswas.

What are Sutdru Dutta's allegations

Shatdru claims that many VIP tickets and access cards for the event were forced to be distributed due to political pressure. The number of tickets for the general audience was reduced. However, those tickets were sold at high prices. He was constantly pressured to allow certain people to enter without tickets. 

 In his complaint to the police, Shatdru said, "I wanted to maintain the transparency of the event. But calls from political circles kept coming. Something was done with the access card that was not allowed."

What happened in Salt Lake

On Sunday evening, more than 80,000 spectators turned up at the Salt Lake Stadium to watch Messi's event. The ticket price ranged from Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000. But when many spectators entered the field, they found that the stage could not be seen from their seats. The LED screen was also not working.

In the meantime, Messi left the venue after just 15 minutes. The organizers said that Messi had left due to "security reasons". This angered the spectators. 

According to eyewitnesses, the agitated crowd tried to break the iron gate of the gallery. They started throwing water bottles and packets of chips on the field. A large police force had to be deployed to control the situation. Rafale was also deployed.

 Why so much anger

Price vs. service: Many people couldn't get a good look at Messi even after paying Rs 25,000 for a ticket. The stage was far away. 

Time: It was advertised that Messi would be there for 1 hour. He was there for less than 15 minutes.

Indiscipline: Severe crowding at the entrance gate, lack of drinking water, dirty toilets — the list of complaints is long.

VIP culture: It is alleged that political leaders and their families are being allowed in through the back gate, keeping ordinary ticket holders away.

What is Arup Biswas saying

Former Sports Minister Arup Biswas has not yet spoken to the media. According to sources close to him, all the allegations are "baseless and politically motivated". However, there are whispers within the Trinamool, the party's image has been dented by the entire incident.

Role of the Police

The Bidhannagar Commissionerate has started an investigation into the incident. Ticket sales accounts and CCTV footage are being examined.  DC Headquarters said, "We are investigating whether the organizers were negligent. There will be no compromise on the safety of the spectators."

What happened before

In 2023, there was a controversy over tickets during Messi's visit to Kerala. But the stadium was not vandalized like in Kolkata. According to the sports community, there was an attempt to make money by exploiting the emotions of Kolkata. It is the past to organize events domestically without entrusting the responsibility to a professional event management company.

My opinion

The people of Bengal became emotional after hearing that Messi would come. They should not have played with that emotion. 2500 rupees is a month's expenditure for many. If instead of that, they get a glimpse of 15 minutes of chaos and chaos, then there will be anger.

The administration should make arrangements to refund the ticket money. And in the future, political interference in such mega events should stop. Let's play on the playing field. Not leadership.

Let's see what comes out of the investigation.  Sources say that Arup Biswas may be questioned based on the FIR filed by Sutadru Dutta.

 Reported by Sanchita chatterjee.