Messi is all set to arrive in Kolkata tomorrow midnight and following that Bidhannagar Police did a live session to share important information and safety protocols for people attending Messi’s GOAT India Tour in Kolkata. The police urged fans to follow all instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and safe event. As of the Police, the premium event will take place from 10 am to 1:05 pm. The police urged the audience to come early as the stadium gates will open much earlier, at 7 am, so that people can enter without any rush.
Police explained that there will be two stages of checking for all visitors. The first check will happen at the stadium gate.
The second check will be done on the rampleading inside. To make the process more efficient, a special scanner machine will be used for ticket checking. This scanner will help verify tickets quickly, but the police still expect the process to take time. That is why they strongly advised everyone to arrive early.
What not to carry
During the live session, Bidhannagar Police clearly listed items that visitors must not carry. People should avoid bringing valuable products, as the police will not be responsible for any loss.
Fans are not allowed to carry, Tifo, Drums, or big banners.
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Police said these items will not be permitted inside the stadium. They also stated that inflammable products are strictly banned. Anyone carrying such items will not be allowed to enter.
Fans expressed their disgust
Kolkata football fans who wanted to bring drums, tifo and megaphones expressed their disgust on social media as the event of Messi is tagged as non-footballing and more like an “opera-style” event.
FCB Kolkata released their press release after the announcement comes out which writes, “When you are bringing the greatest footballer of all time to what once the largest stadium in the world, and located in the mecca of Indian football, labelling the event as a "non-footballing" one with no Tifo, no drums, and no fan celebrations is deeply frustrating.”
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They also said that this was a lack of communication from the administration as they were preparing to celebrate the G.O.A.T.’s arrival in the mecca of football.
However, they said that they will continue their pre-event activity outside the stadium and wrote, “ We will still go ahead with our pre-event activities as planned outside the stadium starting from 7am. All expenditure and information regarding donations we received will be shared in due course.”
Shah Rukh Khan to join Messi on the same stage
Shah Rukh Khan confirmed that he will be on the same stage as Messi. Confirming this he posted, “ This time round not planning my Knight in Kolkata…. and hoping the day Ride is completely ‘Messi’. See you guys on the 13th at the Salt Lake Stadium.”
West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is all set to join the event as the chief guest.