Kolkata, Dec 14 (NationPress) The recent turmoil at Yuva Bharati Krirangan, also referred to as Salt Lake Stadium, during Lionel Messi's event has significantly tarnished Kolkata's reputation on the global front. The vandalism and unrest were prominently featured in leading international newspapers and media outlets.

From the US's The New York Times to the UK's The Guardian and BBC, the reports of chaos and disorder received substantial coverage. The incident also caught the attention of media in Spain and France.

The New York Times headline stated, "Lionel Messi's India tour organiser 'detained', says police after 'deeply disturbing chaos'." At the time of the report, the organiser of Messi's 'Goat India Tour', Satadru Dutta, was initially detained but later arrested.

The article provided a detailed account of the events at Yuva Bharati, noting Messi's limited visibility to fans. Although he was scheduled to be present for over an hour, security personnel swiftly removed him from the field.

Included in the report were statements from West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and a press briefing by Governor C.V. Ananda Bose. The report also referenced Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's apology and the establishment of an inquiry committee. Additionally, state Sports Minister Arup Biswas commented, "I will not say anything."

The American newspaper noted Kolkata's strong football following, despite cricket being India's most beloved sport.

The BBC reported, "Angry fans throw chairs and bottles at Messi event in Kolkata." The report highlighted that Messi was surrounded by officials and politicians to the point of annoyance, leading to his early departure after just 22 minutes for safety reasons. This incited aggressive behavior from the crowd, prompting them to hurl chairs and bottles.

Many attendees had spent Rs 12,000 on tickets for a chance to see Messi, who was largely obscured from view.

The BBC also captured Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remorse, indicating she was "deeply saddened and shocked" by the incident.

Coverage of the Yuva Bharati chaos reached Spain and France, where Messi has played club football. The Spanish sports daily Marca headlined the incident as "Absolute Chaos", noting that the Inter Miami star exited the field in just 22 minutes, leaving fans feeling shortchanged.

The French daily L'Equipe described the event as "Disturbing", pointing out the extreme frustration experienced by spectators due to the overwhelming crowd surrounding Messi during his promotional tour.

There is a consensus that Kolkata has now become a topic of international discussion, albeit for the wrong reasons.