Messi Event Chaos: Sourav Ganguly seeks ₹50 Crore in defamation case against fan club president

Former India captain, Sourav Ganguly, currently the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, has filed a defamation suit against Uttam Saha, president of the Argentina Fan Club in Kolkata. Ganguly alleged that Saha had made some false claims on him regarding the pandemonium at the Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata.

According to Uttam Saha, Ganguly was one of the reasons behind the incident at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan. After the allegations from Saha, Ganguly filed the defamation case seeking damages of INR 50 crore. The former cricketer stated in his complaint, "Uttam Saha's statements have seriously damaged his reputation. These allegations have been made without any evidence." He described the allegations made by Saha as "false, malicious, defamatory and libelous."

The head of the Messi fan club claimed that Ganguly was the 'middleman' behind the chaos in Kolkata. Ganguly explained that he was there only as a guest and nothing to do with the management role in the event. It was reported that Ganguly's legal team has sent a notice to Saha based on this allegation, demanding a retraction and compensation.

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Messi Event Chaos: Sourav Ganguly filed defamation suit

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, December 16th, West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas resigned following the vandalism and chaos at Messi's event. Now, cricket and football fans in India are curious about the following as it is emerging as a major event in the public dispute between cricket and fan clubs. Regarding the incident during at the venue, Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, expressed regret over the mismanagement and to both Messi and Kolkata’s football fans who were unable to get a proper glimpse of the Argentine superstar.

"I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi. I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident", Banerjee said in a 'X' post.