Fans threw objects onto the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata following a visit by football star Lionel Messi, according to officials cited by Reuters. The incident occurred after Messi appeared at the venue, which had drawn a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Authorities said excitement among some supporters escalated after the appearance. As a result, a section of the crowd began throwing items such as plastic bottles onto the field. Security personnel responded quickly to contain the situation.

Officials confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, and Messi was escorted safely from the stadium.

What Happened Inside the Stadium

Messi’s visit attracted thousands of fans, many of whom gathered hours in advance. The stadium saw heightened security due to the scale of attendance and the global profile of the footballer.

After the event concluded, some spectators ignored security instructions and threw objects toward the pitch. Police officers and event staff intervened immediately to prevent further disruption.

According to organisers, the disturbance remained limited to a short period and did not spread to other sections of the stadium.

Response From Organisers and Authorities

Event organisers acknowledged the incident and said they are reviewing crowd management measures. They stressed that the behaviour came from a small group and did not reflect the conduct of most attendees.

A senior official said security teams acted promptly.

“The situation was brought under control quickly, and there were no reports of serious harm,” an official told Reuters.

Police increased their presence around the stadium until crowds dispersed. Officials said safety protocols worked as intended.

Messi’s Visit Draws Huge Interest

Messi’s appearance generated intense interest across Kolkata, a city known for its strong football culture. Fans gathered in large numbers to see the World Cup winner, creating a charged atmosphere.

Authorities said such excitement can occasionally lead to isolated incidents. However, they emphasised that the majority of fans remained orderly throughout the event.

Security teams stayed on alert until the venue cleared.

Managing Large Crowds During High-Profile Sports Visits

Authorities noted that events involving globally recognised athletes often require extra crowd management planning, particularly in cities with strong sporting traditions like Kolkata. Officials said that even when security arrangements are in place, heightened excitement can lead to brief lapses in crowd discipline.

In this case, organisers had deployed security personnel throughout the stadium and surrounding areas. Police said their teams acted according to established procedures once objects were thrown onto the pitch. The response focused on preventing panic, protecting those on the field, and ensuring safe movement of spectators.

Officials added that post-event reviews are a standard part of hosting major public appearances. These assessments help identify areas for improvement, including entry control, exit flow, and communication with fans. While most spectators followed instructions, authorities said managing enthusiasm remains a key challenge during appearances by international sports icons.

They reiterated that lessons from such events are used to refine safety planning for future gatherings.

Security Review After Stadium Incident

Local authorities said they will review the incident as part of routine post-event assessments. Organisers may also consider adjustments to security arrangements for future high-profile sports appearances.

Officials reiterated that public safety remains a priority. They also urged fans to celebrate responsibly during major sporting events.

The Messi Kolkata stadium incident highlights the challenges of managing large crowds when global sports figures appear in public.