Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has launched a sharp critique against the disorganised and disappointing public event featuring global icon Lionel Messi at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. The sporting legend labelled the incident as "unfortunate," emphasising that sports must always be given top priority, free from unnecessary delays caused by politics and ceremonial formalities.
Bhutia's Strong Stance on Fan Experience
Speaking on Sunday, Bhutia articulated the core frustration of every sports enthusiast. He stated that fans purchase tickets and flock to stadiums with a simple desire: to enjoy the sport and watch their heroes in action. They do not come to endure lengthy speeches or wait indefinitely for VIPs to make their entrance. "I think when there is a sports event, sports should get priority," Bhutia asserted, cutting to the heart of the issue.
He expanded his criticism to a nationwide problem, observing that such scenarios are regrettably common across India. According to Bhutia, countless sporting events are held up because organisers are compelled to wait for politicians or chief guests. This practice, he argues, severely damages the experience for both spectators and athletes. "Many times across India, we see sporting events getting delayed because of political speeches, chief guest handshakes and all that. That is not necessary," he explained. "Fans and players are coming to watch the sport, and the sport should begin rather than waiting for VIPs."
Messi's GOAT Tour as a Wake-Up Call
Reflecting on the overwhelming public response to Lionel Messi's recent GOAT Tour in India, Bhutia said the fan frenzy delivered a clear message about what people truly want. He noted that supporters in Kolkata and other host cities were singularly focused on seeing the football legend and enjoying the spectacle, devoid of any ancillary drama. "It was good to see not just in Kolkata, but across different cities, fans just wanted to see the sporting event, who just wanted to see Messi and nothing else," he remarked.
The promotional event in Kolkata descended into chaos primarily due to inadequate planning and poor crowd management. Thousands of fans were left disheartened as politicians, celebrities, and officials monopolised Messi's attention, drastically limiting his interaction with the public. His scheduled time on the field was also significantly shortened. This mismanagement led to palpable frustration among spectators, resulting in disturbances inside the iconic stadium.
A Lesson for Future Organisers
Bhutia expressed hope that the unfortunate episode at the Salt Lake Stadium would serve as a crucial lesson for event organisers and authorities moving forward. He believes it should act as a wake-up call to overhaul how such mega-events are conducted in the country. "I hope this is a lesson we will learn and that this trend will change," the former captain added, underlining the need for a fan-centric approach.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the pervasive VIP culture in Indian sports and how it often overshadows the main attraction. Bhutia's comments resonate with a common grievance among sports fans who feel short-changed when ceremonial aspects eclipse the actual sporting action they paid to witness.
