'It must not happen again' - UEFA apologises to Liverpool and Real fans and launches review into Champions League chaos
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
ByEurosport
Updated 03/06/2022 at 18:09 GMT
Following Real Madrid's demands for answers over the chaos of the Champions League final in Paris last week, UEFA has issued an apology to both Real Madrid and Liverpool fans for the problems they experienced around the Stade de France. The governing body also said it would be launching an independent review into the events.
'Not fair' - Liverpool fans on stadium chaos as people struggle to enter for final
UEFA has apologised to Real Madrid and Liverpool fans for the chaos they faced at the Champions League final last weekend.
Fans complained of heavy-handed treatment by the French police and also claimed there were dangerous scenes, with supporters held in tight spaces ahead of the match outside the ground.
Videos appeared to show fans being pepper sprayed, and police claimed that fake tickets were to blame for at least some of the problems.
Liverpool supporters have been asking for an apology since the events, which was echoed by Real, and UEFA released a statement on Friday.
The statement read: "UEFA wishes to sincerely apologise to all spectators who had to experience or witness frightening and distressing events in the build-up to the UEFA Champions League final at the Stade de France on 28 May 2022 in Paris, on a night which should have been a celebration of European club football. No football fan should be put in that situation, and it must not happen again."
The statement went on to say an independent review would be carried out to identify the circumstances that led to the events of Saturday night.
Real Madrid had earlier released a statement demanding answers following the chaotic pre-match scenes outside the Stade de France that overshadowed their 1-0 win against Liverpool in the Champions League final.
Widespread reports from journalists on the ground highlighted heavy-handed policing - including the use of pepper spray - and a lack of organisation as scores of Liverpool fans were denied entry to the match.
However, Real Madrid have now released a statement saying that their supporters were also "victims of these events", and demanded answers as to why supporters were left "helpless and defenceless".
"Given the unfortunate events that took place on May 28 in the vicinity and entrances to the Stade de France, including inside the stadium itself, Real Madrid CF would like to state the following in defence of our supporters who were victims of these events," began the statement.
"We want to know what were the reasons that motivated that designation of the venue of the final and what criteria were taken into consideration taking into account what happened that day.
"Likewise, we ask for answers and explanations that determine who was responsible for leaving the fans helpless and defenceless."
The statement also referenced widespread reports of fans of both teams being assaulted and robbed, and asked for lessons to be learned to avoid a repeat of such instances in the future.
"We understand that what should have been a great celebration of football for all the fans who attended the game turned into unfortunate events that have caused deep outrage around the world," continued the statement.
"As has been clearly seen in the revealing images offered by the media, many of the fans were violently assaulted, harassed and robbed. Some of them even had to spend the night in the hospital for injuries received.
"Football has transmitted to the world an image far removed from the values and objectives that it must always pursue.
"Our followers and fans deserve a response and that the pertinent responsibilities be cleared up so that situations such as the ones experienced are eradicated forever from football and sport."
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement