There have been chaotic scenes reported at the Champions League Final in Paris tonight (Saturday, May 28). Fans have reported that tear gas has been deployed outside the Stade de France.
The clash, between Liverpool and Real Madrid, saw football fans caught in travel chaos at the Port of Dover yesterday. In Paris, a lack of organisation was being cited as the issue, as outside the stadium long queues formed.
The stadium announcer confirmed at 8.46pm local time – 14 minutes before kick-off – that the start of the match had been delayed. Liverpool players re-emerged to warm-up at 9.06pm local time – six minutes after the scheduled kick-off.
Real Madrid players began to follow shortly after. UEFA said the delay was due to “security reasons” but the Stade de France screens claimed it was “due to the late arrival of fans”.
The Liverpool end was noticeably patchy less than half an hour before kick-off as supporters struggled to get in. A few ticketless fans were seen trying to gain access to the Stade de France, despite a permanent fence being in place around the perimeter, reports PA.
Gary Lineker took to Twitter to voice his concern, saying: "I’m not sure it’s possible to have a more poorly organised event if you tried. Absolutely shambolic and dangerous. @UEFAcom "
BBC presenter Dan Walker tweeted: "So many Liverpool fans seem to have been waiting for hours to get into the stadium. Reports of police using tear gas and a complete lack of organisation. UEFA are blaming supporters for turning up late #ChampionsLeagueFinal "
Speaking on BT Sport, Rio Ferdinand prayed for fans' safety hearing that tear gas was used on Liverpool fans: He said on BT Sport: "We pray for people's safety. You come to football to be entertained."
Michael Owen echoed those sentiments, adding: "It is so sad and obviously everything has to be military precision out there. We don't know what's gone on, but it is sad to hear. You just hope everyone is safe."
Hundreds of armed French police officers with shields, tear gas and barriers could be seen running around outside the Stade de France, PA reported. Large groups of fans, many with tickets for the game, continued to wait outside the stadium.
One fan, Carl Noades, 63, told the PA news agency: “There only seems to be one gate open, it’s ridiculous, the game’s kicked off and we’re stuck outside. It’s a disgrace, the way they’re treating us is shocking, there no organisation.”
Following kick-off at 9.36pm local time, Liverpool fans seemingly with tickets reportedly clashed with French police outside the Stade de France. Supporters showed what appeared to be tickets to the game to officers after a gate was closed, denying them entry.
Bottles were thrown at the officers who responded with tear gas, leaving some fans holding their eyes. Supporters still waiting to get in were visibly frustrated.
