What was meant to be a celebration of Lionel Messi and Kolkata’s love for football descended into chaos as angry fans vandalised the iconic Salt Lake Stadium after the Argentine football great was whisked away by his security team after making a brief appearance at the ground. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has now said that it is disappointing that the genuine fans of Messi, who paid for the tickets, never got to actually see him.

“It is a bit disappointing because I heard that around 80,000 fans turned up. Everybody loves Messi, but genuine fans did not really get to see him, which is very unfortunate,” Bhutia is quoted as saying by PTI. He hoped that organisers learn a lesson and ensure such a situation does not occur again, he said, adding, “It also spoils the country’s name.

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