Uefa has apologized to Liverpool and Real Madrid fans caught up in the events surrounding the Champions League final and says it won’t happen again.
Liverpool fans described strict policy, organizational chaos and overcrowding at last Saturday’s thrilling game.
Real Madrid has asked for answers about the “regrettable chain of events”.
“No football fan should be in that situation, and it won’t happen again,” said a statement by Uefa.
“Uefa would like to sincerely apologize to all spectators who had to experience or witness the terrifying and traumatic events during the construction of the Uefa Champions League final at the Stade de France on May 28, 2018. 2022 in Paris, on a night that should have been a celebration of European club football.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said ticket holders blocked by security staff from entering the stadium must be refunded “as quickly as possible”.
“I have a thought for the jostled families who have not been able to access the chairs they paid for,” Macron said.
“I have asked the government to clarify what happened, determine responsibility and explain in detail to our compatriots, the British and the Spaniards.”
European football governing body previously announced that an independent review about what happened in the final and what lessons learned will be led by Dr. Tiago Brandao Rodrigues from Portugal.
French and Uefa authorities blamed late arrivals and fake tickets for the chaos outside the Stade de France, delaying the match by more than half an hour.
Police used tear gas and pepper spray on some fans. It has also emerged that supporters have been targeted by local gangs.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said it was only England fans who caused problems in the final.
“The review will seek to establish a full picture and timeline of what happens during the day, both in the stadium and the surrounding areas, including examining the audience flow to the stadium. across different access points,” the Uefa statement added.
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish said the apology was “a start” but added: “There is still a long way to go.
“This apology does not imply misleading messages about the late kick, the fan park events or what happened after.”
‘Abandoned and unprotected fans’
Earlier on Friday, Real Madrid issue a statement asked for an answer about the “unfortunate event” at the match Spain won 1-0.
They also want to know why the Stade de France was chosen as the venue for the match and who is “responsible for leaving the fans abandoned and defenseless”.
“Football has transmitted an image to the world that is far from the values and goals it should pursue,” the statement said.
Real Madrid cited “unfortunate events” that took place “around and at the entrances to the Stade de France, and even inside the stadium itself” and added that their fans “have become fall victim to said events”.
They added: “We would like to know the reasons why this venue was chosen to host the final and the criteria used, taking into account the experience of the day.
“Furthermore, we’re calling for answers and explanations to identify those responsible for leaving fans abandoned and unprotected. Fans in general consistently display exemplary behavior. sample.
“We believe what should have been a great football festival for all the fans in attendance, quickly turned into an unfortunate chain of events that caused outrage around the world.
“It is clear from the revealing images posted by the media that some fans have been attacked, harassed, assaulted and robbed of property in violent costumes.
“These incidents continue to occur when they are traveling in cars or buses, causing concern for their physical health. Some fans have even spent the night in hospital due to their injuries.”
The club added: “Our fans and supporters deserve a response and those responsible must be held accountable for events like this to be removed from football and sport in general. .”
‘Shameful comments’
On Thursday, Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan called the French Interior Minister’s comments blaming England fans “disgraceful”.
“My reaction to the French Minister’s comments is again, as I said earlier this week, just one of frank skepticism,” he said. Hogan added.
He said 6,500 fans have responded to a request from the Premier League club, asking supporters attending the final to complete a feedback form to assist with any investigation into the management of operations. action of the event.
“Pain, grief, harm, hurt [fans] Hogan said: “
“We have written to Uefa again and we have raised specific questions – 13 specific questions – that we would like them to clarify regarding the details of this investigation,” Hogan said.
“We just felt that it was so important to conduct this investigation, frankly, that we had to launch it immediately.”
