Football player Andy Robertson voicing criticism towards the treatment of supporter websites at the Champions League final held in Paris.
The 2022 Champions League final in Paris was marred by chaotic fan experiences and the use of tear gas, with many attributing the incidents to poorly executed security arrangements and claims of an "industrial-scale fraud" of fake tickets.
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was among those who experienced the chaos firsthand. He stated that one of his friends was falsely accused of having a fake ticket, and that his family and many others were affected by the incidents. Robertson also criticized the handling of fans by French police, as tear gas was used on those trapped outside the Stade de France.
Independent reports have highlighted that UEFA bears "primary responsibility" for the failures, which nearly resulted in a "mass fatality catastrophe" due to the combination of inadequate security and the mismanagement of large crowds. The French authorities also cited an "industrial-scale fraud" of fake tickets as a contributing factor, although this claim has been met with skepticism by some fans and observers, who emphasize the primary role of security failures.
The main gate, Gate Y, was closed for up to an hour before kick-off, causing frustration among fans queuing to get in. Thousands of supporters missed the kick-off against Real Madrid due to congestion problems and delays.
Former Liverpool defender Jim Beglin described the post-match incidents as "the scariest I've ever experienced". He stated that organized gangs set about mugging departing fans, and he witnessed so many ambush attacks on unsuspecting attendees.
Despite the majority of fans behaving in an "exemplary" manner, according to Merseyside Police who had officers deployed in Paris, the incident has had lasting impacts on fan perceptions of safety. It has led to discussions about the disparate treatment of football supporters compared to other events.
The French Senate enquiry concluded that the security measures at the Stade de France were inadequate, leading to significant disorder and safety concerns for thousands of fans. Liverpool is reportedly furious at UEFA's initial blame of the delayed start on late fan arrivals.
The Spirit of Shankly, a Liverpool supporters' group, described the scenes at the Champions League final as "totally shambolic and extremely dangerous". They called for a thorough investigation into the incidents and for lessons to be learned to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston expressed concern about the incidents around the Stade de France and stated that they would work with authorities to find out what happened and why. Liverpool has also requested an official investigation into the incident.
In response to the criticism, UEFA later stated that the fault lay with "thousands of fans who had purchased fake tickets which did not work at the turnstiles." However, this statement has been met with scepticism, with many questioning the validity of the claim and the role of security arrangements in the incidents.
[1] [Source 1] [5] [Source 5]
- The failure of security arrangements and the use of fake tickets during the 2022 Champions League final in Paris led to a chaotic fan experience, as highlighted in both general news and crime-and-justice reports.
- A former Liverpool defender, Jim Beglin, criticized the handling of fans by French police during the match, commenting that the post-match incidents were the scariest he's ever experienced.
- The European leagues, specifically the Champions League, have found themselves under scrutiny following the chaotic final in Paris, with fans raising concerns about safety and security, particularly in relation to ticket fraud and crowd management.
