Six days after the chaos at the Champions League final, UEFA has apologised to spectators
“No football fan should be put in such a situation and it must not happen again,” it said in a statement released by the continental body on Friday night. It addressed fans who “experienced or witnessed frightening and distressing events” ahead of last Saturday’s final in Paris.
The European Football Union reiterated that it had launched an independent investigation into the incidents led by former Portuguese environment minister Tiago Brandao Rodrigues. It is to “identify shortcomings and responsibilities of all bodies involved in the organisation of the final”.
Real defends fans and demands clarification
Earlier, Champions League winners Real Madrid defended their fans and demanded an explanation of the events. “We want answers and explanations as to who is responsible for leaving the fans helpless and defenceless,” the Spanish record champions said in a statement on Friday. Instead of a football festival, the final, which the Royals won 1-0 against Liverpool FC, had become an “unfortunate event” for many fans, causing “deep indignation worldwide”, it said.
The final at the Stade de France in St Denis had only kicked off 37 minutes late after chaotic scenes around the stadium. Long queues had formed in front of the entrances, there were large crowds, and the police also intervened with tear gas. According to the French government, a huge ticket fraud had led to the difficulties. The police in Paris registered more than 100 arrests and 238 injuries. Around 2700 fans with valid tickets were unable to enter the stadium.
