00:00Lionel Messi's much-anticipated tour of India began in chaos on Saturday, after disorder broke out at a ticketed event in Kolkata.
00:11Fans threw objects, damaged stadium seats and invaded the pitch at Salt Lake Stadium after the Argentine football superstar made only a brief appearance, far shorter than expected.
00:23Many fans said they barely caught a glimpse of Messi despite paying high ticket prices, triggering anger and frustration inside the stadium.
00:35It was a total scam. We want our money back, to be honest, and Mr. Sotadru Datta, who's the main person behind this event, he did a good job, but unfortunately the management was so bad. It is a black day for Kolkata.
00:49We couldn't even see him, we couldn't even get a glimpse of him. Was this scripted? I don't know why weren't the police taking action? I don't know anything. Everyone was furious. Everyone was very furious.
01:02Police have since detained the event's chief organizer, Satadru Dutta.
01:32That's our expectation, that the fans should be adequately compensated.
01:38Messi was scheduled to appear for 45 minutes, but remained at the venue for only about 20 minutes.
01:44Tickets for the event were priced from around 3,500 rupees, or $38.65, more than half of average weekly income in India.
01:54But one fan said he had paid $130.
01:57Despite the chaotic start, Messi is expected to continue his India tour, with planned appearances including concerts, youth football clinics, a paddle tournament, and charity launches in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
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