What was meant to be a celebratory event around football icon Lionel Messi descended into chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday after spectators resorted to vandalism on failing to catch a glimpse of their hero, alleging gross mismanagement by the organisers and obstruction of views by VIPs.

The unrest broke out soon after Messi left the venue much earlier than scheduled, triggering scenes of spectators uprooting plastic chairs, hurling bottles onto the pitch and attempting to breach barricades.

Some people, including police personnel, were reported injured, though no fatalities occurred.

The police arrested the event's prime organiser, Satadru Datta, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and sports lovers and announced a high-level inquiry into

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