ISL Returns to Kolkata Stadium Still Scarred by Messi Tour Chaos
Kolkata: The iconic Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan in Salt Lake is set to roar back to life this Saturday with the opening ceremony of the Indian Super League and the inaugural clash between defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC. However, beneath the spectacle, the stadium's stands will silently narrate a tale of destruction, ongoing repairs, and gradual recovery from the violent fan unrest that erupted during Lionel Messi's visit just two months ago.
Visible Scars of December's Fan Riot
As football fans fill the arena, they will notice at least 10,000 bucket chairs missing or rendered unusable. The empty slots have been discreetly draped in black cloth to mask the physical scars left by the chaotic events of December 13. On that fateful day, during the GOAT India Tour featuring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi alongside Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, anticipation swiftly turned to fury. Messi departed the stadium a mere 22 minutes after arrival—over 40 minutes ahead of schedule—following what officials termed a security breach due to unauthorized entries.
The morning descended into pandemonium within seconds. Thousands of fans, who had waited for hours, erupted in anger. Seats were violently uprooted and hurled, bottles rained down, supporters stormed the pitch, the roof of the players' tunnel was smashed, goalpost nets were torn apart, and temporary tents inside the complex were set ablaze.
Last-Minute Repairs Ahead of ISL Opener
On the eve of the tournament opener, laborers worked overtime, tightening bolts and refitting plastic seats ripped out during the unrest. A contractor involved in the restoration process revealed that approximately 5,000 chairs have been reinstalled over the past three days, but more than 10,000 still require repair. "Some chairs are damaged beyond repair, but most can be fixed. The numbers, however, no longer match. We were instructed to complete the job at the earliest so the venue can host the game," said a worker engaged in the efforts.
While the upper galleries have been largely restored, several rows in the lower tiers still exhibit visible gaps. Broken fiber sheets and discarded plastic seats lay piled in corners as welders diligently repaired iron grille gates that were smashed during the riot.
Stadium Infrastructure Partially Restored
Key infrastructure elements have seen significant repairs. The players' tunnel roof has been completely rebuilt, fresh goalpost nets have been installed, and patches of astroturf have been relaid. A senior Mohun Bagan official commented on the temporary measures, stating, "We identified the damaged sections and decided to cover broken and empty slots with black cloth for now. We hope the remaining chairs will be fixed as the tournament progresses."
The ongoing repair work underscores the lasting impact of the December incident, even as the stadium prepares to host one of Indian football's premier events. The juxtaposition of the ISL's vibrant opening against the backdrop of concealed damage highlights the challenges of maintaining world-class sports venues in the face of unexpected turmoil.
