UK-Based Singer Recalls Terrifying Ordeal During Messi Event Mayhem in Kolkata
A highly anticipated visit by football icon Lionel Messi to Kolkata recently turned into a scene of utter pandemonium, leaving many fans heartbroken and attendees, including London-based Indian singer Charles Antony, fearing for their safety. Antony, who flew to India specifically to perform at the G.O.A.T Tour event, described the December 13 incident at the Salt Lake Stadium as a harrowing experience where he literally "ran to save his life."
A Dream Performance Turns Into a Nightmare
Charles Antony, a talented Malayali singer known for performing in 18 languages, had meticulously prepared a special Spanish song to welcome Messi to Kolkata. However, the planned performance never happened. Instead, what unfolded was a chaotic spectacle at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, forcing Antony to abandon his act and seek refuge amidst the crowd's unruly behavior.
Antony vividly recounted the moment the celebration descended into what he called "mobocracy" within the packed stadium. "I ran to save my life," he told a news agency, reflecting on the frightening turn of events.
Fan Fury and Stadium Disorder
The core of the problem stemmed from thousands of frustrated supporters who, despite paying significant amounts—ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000, and even up to Rs 20,000 for black market tickets—could not even catch a glimpse of the Argentine superstar. Their disappointment quickly escalated into a riotous display, with fans storming parts of the venue.
Antony observed Messi, alongside his long-time teammate Luis Suárez and fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul, visibly uncomfortable as they were swarmed by an uncontrolled crowd. He witnessed a barrage of objects, including water bottles, food packets, stones, and even metal items, being hurled from the stadium galleries. Equipment was endangered, and a palpable sense of panic gripped the attendees.
"I was lucky I was not injured, and none of my equipment was damaged," Antony stated, highlighting the severe risks involved.
Logistical Blunders and Personal Danger
Adding to the confusion, Antony mentioned conflicting instructions regarding his reporting time for a sound check on December 13, with both 10:30 AM and 9:30 AM given. He also hadn't had the chance to visit the stadium the day before, contributing to the disorganization.
Antony had been personally invited by the now-arrested event organizer, Satadru Dutta, to perform at Messi's events across Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi, traveling all the way from London and staying at a local hotel.
Comparing this experience to his performance for Diego Maradona in Kolkata in 2016, Antony noted a stark contrast:
| Event Aspect | Maradona Visit (2016) | Messi Event (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Singer's Access | Inside the inner circle | Outside the core circle |
| Event Management | Joyous and perfectly managed | Chaotic and out of control |
| Personal Safety | No concerns | Life under threat |
Despite the chaos, Antony managed to sing a couple of songs, marking him as the first Indian artist to perform for both Maradona and Messi—a small silver lining in a harrowing situation.
The Escalation and Aftermath
The situation worsened significantly after VVIPs were escorted out through an underground exit and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly departed the stadium. At this point, the police advised Antony to find a safe place immediately.
"Everyone was worried about the VVIPs. Nobody was concerned about my safety," he lamented, recalling how he had to frantically gather his guitar, cables, mouth organs, and vocal processors without assistance. His access tag, still around his neck, made him feel even more exposed, as people mistakenly identified him as one of the organizers, leading to threats to his life. Police directed him towards the center of the ground to avoid projectiles from the galleries.
Ultimately, Antony ran back to his hotel and later moved to another for safety, unable to contact the event organizer, Satadru Dutta, for updates. He expressed his agitation and deep concern for the many fans who had traveled from distant places like Meghalaya, Assam, and Bengaluru, only to leave disappointed and in tears, having failed to even glimpse Messi.
A Nuanced Perspective
Antony clarified that he received no remuneration for his performances, with only his travel and accommodation expenses covered. Despite his terrifying experience, he refused to place sole blame on Satadru Dutta. He believes the organizer genuinely tried to control the crowd but was visibly helpless as some others, possibly VVIPs, contributed to the chaos by taking selfies, causing the situation to spiral completely out of control. This latest report sheds crucial light on the challenges of managing high-profile events in India.
