UEFA has issued an apology to fans affected by the events outside the Stade de France prior to last Saturday’s Champions League final.
The start of the match in Paris was delayed because thousands of fans were unable to gain access to the stadium due to tumultuous situations at the gates.
Police also used tear gas and pepper spray on some supporters.
Police use tear gas at Liverpool fans outside the Stade de France before the match.
What Did UEFA Have To Say?
“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,” the organization said in a statement.
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 last week.
An independent review will seek to establish a full picture of what occurred.
Full details: ⬇️
— UEFA (@UEFA) June 3, 2022
“No football fan should be put in that situation, and it must not happen again.”
What Is UEFA’s Next Move?
Real Madrid and Liverpool have both filed complaints about the incidents, with Real Madrid stating that “”Our fans and supporters deserve a response and those responsible to be held accountable in order for events like these to be eradicated from football and sport in general.”
The statement continued: “To that end, immediately after the events, UEFA commissioned an Independent Review to identify shortcomings and responsibilities of all entities involved in the organisation of the final, and has today published the Terms of Reference for this review,” the statement continued.
“The Independent Review, which will be led by Dr Tiago Brandão Rodrigues from Portugal, aims at understanding what happened in the build-up to the final, and determining what lessons should be learned to ensure there is no repeat of the actions and events of that day.
“The Review will seek to establish a full picture and timeline of what occurred during the day, both within the stadium and the surrounding areas, including examining spectator flows to the stadium via the various access points.”
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