UEFA absolve Reds fans of blame & admit that UCL chaos in Paris was their fault

UEFA have absolved Liverpool fans of blame and accepted their own responsibility for the chaos and horror that ruined last season's Champions League final in Paris.

European football's governing body conducted their own investigation to the shambolic and dangerous scenes that led to the game between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France having kick-off delayed by 40 minutes.

As dreadful scenes unfolded, UEFA and French police attempted to set a narrative that held — in their words — ticketless Liverpool fans culpable for the disorder.

A number of Sportsmail journalists on the scene that evening, however, reported extensively that it simply was not the case.

The investigation, which was published last night without Liverpool having had the chance to read it, concluded that UEFA has 'marginalised' its own safety and security unit, headed by Zeljko Pavlica, who is friend and Slovenian compatriot of UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Crucially, the report declares there is no evidence to support the agenda that was pursued by the authorities in Paris to make Liverpool fans scapegoats. It says the tactic was 'reprehensible' and simply designed to avoid taking responsibility for a dangerous shambles.

It had been apparent from two and a half hours before kick-off that the infrastructure and admission system to allow fans with tickets to gain entry was inadequate for an event of this nature. When the start was put back, a false statement was beamed on the big screen saying the delay was due to the late arrival of fans.

The report concludes that the statement was 'manifestly inaccurate' — the reality was Liverpool fans behaved with extreme control in the face of intense provocation by the French Police, which included them being targeted with pepper spray and tear gas.

Liverpool were incensed by the cover-up and fought to clear their supporters, amassing more than 9,000 witness statements. While this report vindicates their stance, they were perplexed that UEFA leaked it without consulting them.

In a statement, they said: 'It is hugely disappointing that a report of such significance, such importance to football supporters' lives and future safety, should be leaked and published in this way.

'It has been more than eight months of work by the independent panel and it is only right and proper to publish the contents of the report to our supporters appropriately.

'We will wait to receive a copy and digest it thoroughly before making any further comment.'