Fans fell on the ground during the stampede. Photo- PTI
Vishal Shrestha, Jagran, Kolkata. Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuvabharti Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), one of the largest football stadiums in Asia, has got a big stain due to the ruckus of the spectators during the felicitation ceremony of Argentina's legendary footballer Lionel Messi, whose far-reaching impact can be seen. This huge stadium with a capacity of 68,000 spectators may also have to pay a huge price like Eden Gardens.
It is known that in 1996, the World Cup semi-final match between India and Sri Lanka had to be canceled due to the uproar by the spectators at Eden Gardens. Match referee Clive Lloyd declared Sri Lanka the winner due to being in a better position in the match, dashing India's dream of winning the World Cup that year. Eden Gardens had to pay a heavy price for the cancellation of that match.
ICC and BCCI had closed their eyes
He was so in trouble in the eyes of the International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India that he did not get important matches for a long time. In the 2011 World Cup held in India, Eden got only a few matches, that too of other teams, whereas this stadium had hosted the final match of the World Cup between Australia and England in 1987.
Salt Lake Stadium may also face neglect like Eden Gardens. Sources in the All India Football Association say that this incident is not being viewed well not only in India but in the football fraternity of the entire world, because at the time of the incident, no one else but Messi, one of the greatest footballers of the present time, himself was present on the ground. This is also a matter related to their safety. In such a situation, Salt Lake Stadium may have to lose the opportunity to organize important matches and ceremonies in the coming times.
FIFA may also turn its back
Tournaments and matches under the auspices of FIFA may now be a distant dream for the Salt Lake Stadium. It is known that Salt Lake Stadium had organized a friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela in 2012, which was also Messi's first match as captain. That match was won by Argentina by 1-0 goals. After its successful organization, FIFA had given the huge responsibility of organizing several matches of the Under-17 World Cup to Salt Lake Stadium in 2017.
Even his final was held here. Salt Lake Stadium had come in the 'Good Book' of FIFA and there would be a possibility of organizing FIFA matches for it in the future also, but after this incident the situation will not only change, it is also necessary to change the attitude of FIFA. Forget FIFA matches, it may be difficult for the Salt Lake Stadium to host other international matches.
It is known that in 1989, matches of the international football tournament Nehru Cup were held here. The semi-final match of the 1997 Federation Cup also took place here. AFC Asian Cup qualifier matches have also been held here. In 2011, SAFF Championship matches were also held at the Salt Lake Stadium. I-League and Indian Super League matches are held here regularly. Apart from this, big music concerts are also organized here.