Real Madrid have demanded answers from organizers on the measures taken to protect fans during last weekend’s Champions League soccer final against Liverpool in Paris, which was marred by crowd unrest.
The match, which Real won 1-0, was delayed for more than 30 minutes after officers forcefully restrained people trying to enter the Stade de France.
Riot police sprayed tear gas at fans, including women and children. France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin says much of the blame lies with Liverpool supporters and 30,000 to 40,000 arrived without valid tickets, leading to a crush of crowds at the stadium and people trying to get their way.
Darmanin’s version of events was disputed by Liverpool fans who attended and said the vast majority of their supporters behaved well but were dealt with brutally by French riot police.
Darmanin acknowledged that the police were caught off guard by several hundred local “delinquents” who showed up to cause trouble. “We want to know what were the reasons that led to this designation of the venue for the final and what criteria were taken into consideration given what happened that day,” the LaLiga club said in a statement. communicated.
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“We also demand answers and explanations as to who was responsible for leaving the fans unguarded and defenceless. Fans whose overall behavior was exemplary at all times.” As the revealing images provided by the media clearly show, many supporters were violently assaulted, harassed, assaulted and robbed.”
The club added that their fans “deserved” a response. Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan reiterated a call for an investigation into the incidents on Thursday, adding that Liverpool and Real fans had suffered.
European football governing body UEFA has commissioned an independent investigation into the incident, while French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said on Monday she would produce a report within 10 days.
