Apology to sports lovers over the Kolkata incident; committee formed to probe the incident — Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

I am extremely saddened and disturbed by the serious lapses witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. Thousands of football enthusiasts and fans had gathered to witness their beloved football icon, Lionel Messi, but unfortunate mismanagement marred the occasion.

I sincerely express my apologies to Lionel Messi and to every sports lover and fan who was disappointed by today’s incident.

To ensure accountability, I am constituting a high-level enquiry committee under the leadership of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department as members. The committee will thoroughly investigate the incident, identify those responsible, and suggest concrete measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Once again, I offer my heartfelt apologies to all sports lovers.

— West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee