A report commissioned by the Prime Minister of France has found operational failures – rather than Liverpool fans with fake tickets – was to blame for the chaos which marred the Champions League Final.
The 30-page document, released today, highlights significant issues with crowd management, a lack of information on entry points and a failure to read warning signs over the presence of ‘malicious individuals who came in large numbers to commit acts of delinquency’ as the main contributing factors that led to ‘a climate of tension’.
Liverpool’s clash with real Madrid was twice put back amid distressing scenes outside the Stade de France which saw fans tear-gassed by riot cops.
In the aftermath of the May 28 fixture, the French government and police attempted to blame the issues on ’30-40,000’ Liverpool supporters they claimed turned up with counterfeit tickets.
That allegation has been widely derided given a lack of evidence. It has also been widely condemned on Merseyside, where around 9,000 harrowing accounts have been handed over to the Anfield club by fans who were in the French capital.
The report will no doubt be welcomed by Liverpool, who have launched their own probe, and it will increase pressure on the French government for a full apology.