Tension at Stadium, CM Mamata Apologises; Tight Security at Uppal
Security was tightened at Uppal Stadium as Messi’s visit triggered crowd unrest in Kolkata, prompting Mamata Banerjee to issue an apology.
Heavy security deployment at Uppal Stadium ahead of Lionel Messi’s visit amid crowd control measures.
Tension erupted at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata when Lionel Messi left the venue in a couple of minutes, which ignited the fans' anger and caused chaos. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, proffered an apology to Messi and the supporters while she also admitted that the event management was not up to the mark. The fans went on to destroy property, let the police know that control was via lathi-charge, and threw bottles and chairs.
After the Kolkata episode, Rachakonda Police have raised their alert level in Hyderabad. Security has been intensified at Uppal Stadium in anticipation of Messi's visit, comprising a three-tier security cover with Z-category protection and elite forces. No entrance without a valid ticket is allowed.
Messi will be at the Uppal Stadium in a convoy of 20 vehicles. The police have also set up a tight arrangement near Falaknuma Palace. Officials assure that all necessary measures are in place to avert any untoward incidents amused during the GOAT Tour events in Hyderabad.
Fans from all over India and even from neighboring countries like Nepal had come to see Messi and they expressed their disappointment with the short Kolkata appearance. Social media was overwhelmed with criticism, labeling the tour as “poorly managed.”
In spite of the unpleasantness, Messi's 72-hour India itinerary filled with events boundlessly covers Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, including charity matches, showings, and even visits with high-profile politicians.
