NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation on Saturday voiced serious concern after the highly anticipated Lionel Messi event in Kolkata descended into chaos, triggered by major lapses in crowd management and security.

Chaos in Kolkata! Lionel Messi event cut short after crowd unrest at Salt Lake Stadium: WATCH

Around 50,000 spectators, many of whom had paid between Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000, and in some cases as much as Rs 20,000 on the black market, were left frustrated as politicians, VVIPs, security personnel and others more interested in taking selfies than managing the crowd surrounded Messi. The scenes left fans inside the Salt Lake Stadium angry and helpless.

“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 organised by a PR agency. The AIFF was not involved in the organisation, planning, or execution of this event in any capacity,” the AIFF said in a statement.

Within minutes of his arrival, Messi was encircled by politicians, police officials, VIPs and their aides, creating a human barricade that ensured the paying spectators saw everything except the star they had come to watch.

The AIFF reiterated that it had no role in the conduct of the event.

“This was a private event organised by a PR agency. Furthermore, the details of the event were neither communicated to the AIFF, nor was any clearance sought from the federation,” the statement added.

“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,” the apex body said.

The situation worsened as angry fans began throwing bottles, items that are banned inside sporting venues. Questions were raised over how such objects, along with food packets, were allowed past security checks. Soon after, seats were ripped out and hurled.

Fibreglass chairs were left strewn across the pitch and the synthetic track.

Two canopies set up for Messi and the chief minister’s enclosure were damaged, with attempts even made to set parts of them on fire before police stepped in.

Gates were smashed, the players’ tunnel roof was struck repeatedly, and posters and hoardings were torn down.