It is exactly a week since the Champions League final but there is still much talk about the build-up to that occasion. The big game featuring Real Madrid vs Liverpool served much excitement on the pitch as Vinicius Jnr scored the all-important goal that gave the Spanish giants a record-extending 14 titles.
However, there was drama off the pitch as well. Played at the Stade de France stadium in France, the game was delayed by over half an hour from the original starting period.
It was an ugly sight that saw fans scrambling around and it was fortunate to see that a stampede did not support. This has not gone down well with fans of both clubs alike, who have now asked for a thorough investigation of the unfortunate events.
French authorities and UEFA blamed fake tickets and late arrivals for the scenes of much chaos outside the stadium. The matter escalated to a point where police had to use tear gas and pepper spray on some fans. To make it worse, there were further claims that some supporters were targeted by local gangs.
Liverpool star Joel Matip was one of many players to have been left devastated, as his family had to flee for their own safety amidst all the disruption.
UEFA issue apology to Liverpool and Real Madrid
A statement from Europe’s football governing body read: “No football fan should be put in that situation, and it must not happen again”.
“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.”
French President Emmanuel Macron was also displeased about the events and asked for affected fans to be reimbursed while also issuing an investigation on the matter.
Macron said: “I have a thought for the families who have been pushed around, who have not been able to access the seats they had paid for.
“I have asked the government to clarify what happened, to determine the responsibilities and to explain them in detail to our compatriots, the British and the Spanish.”
UEFA further announced that they will still look further into the case and eventually issue an independent review of what happened in the build-up to the game. This review would be led by Portuguese politician Brandao Rodrigues. It would be interesting to see the outcome of the review and what measures will be taken afterwards.
