All India Football Federation concerned by events during Lionel Messi India tour

The All India Football Federation has said it is “deeply concerned” by events that occurred during Lionel Messi’s tour of India.

The Argentina and Inter Miami forward appeared at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, where fans had gathered to see the footballer.

Reports claim that while he was walking around the pitch, views of Messi were obscured by a crowd around him before he was taken off after around 20 minutes and fans then tore up seats and threw objects towards the field.

An AIFF statement read: “The All India Football Federation is deeply concerned by the events that transpired at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where thousands of fans gathered to witness world football stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.

“This was a private event organized by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organization, planning, or execution of this event in any capacity. Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the Federation.

“We urge all attendees to extend their full cooperation with the relevant authorities and to maintain order. The safety and security of all individuals involved must remain the paramount priority.”