Calling it a “dark day for the sports-loving people of Kolkata,” West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday directed the state government to arrest the organisers of the Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake Stadium, holding them squarely responsible for the large-scale mismanagement that led to chaos and vandalism at the venue.

In a strong statement following the incident, Bose said the organisers’ “sheer overconfidence and lack of planning” resulted in thousands of spectators being denied a proper view of the football icon, despite having paid hefty ticket prices.

The situation spiralled out of control as angry fans damaged property inside the stadium, forcing Messi to leave earlier than scheduled.

While blaming the organisers for the mess, the Governor also sharply criticised the role of the police, saying law enforcement had “failed the government, the people of West Bengal, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the home portfolio.”

“Due to their inaction, this day can be said to be a dark day for the sports-loving people of Kolkata,” Bose said, stressing that such lapses tarnish the city’s long-standing reputation as one of India’s sporting capitals.

The Messi event, billed as a celebratory fan interaction at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, had drawn massive crowds from across the city and beyond.

However, inadequate crowd control, unrestricted access to the field area and the rush by organisers and associates to get close to Messi for selfies reportedly blocked spectators’ views, triggering anger in the stands.

The chaos also had political repercussions. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was scheduled to attend the event and formally welcome Messi, stayed away following the disorder.

Later in the day, Banerjee issued a public apology to Messi and fans, announcing the formation of an inquiry committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray to fix responsibility and recommend preventive measures.

The incident has sparked outrage across political lines, with both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP demanding strict action against the organisers.

Sports enthusiasts and former players have also expressed disappointment, saying the episode has embarrassed Kolkata on the global stage and raised serious questions about event management and crowd safety.