There were reports of chaotic scenes outside Stade de France ahead of the Champions League final.
Liverpool's Champions League final match against Real Madrid was delayed twice, following repots of major organisational issues outside the ground. Kick off was initially scheduled for 8pm UK time start but was pushed to 8.36pm.
It follows numerous reports of organisational problems at the stadium, with scores of fans and journalists taking to Twitter to give their accounts. One video emerged appearing to show Liverpool fans being pepper-sprayed by French authorities ahead of the match.
READ MORE: Footage emerges showing Liverpool fans being 'pepper-sprayed' ahead of Champions League final
Footage shared by ESPN's Mark Ogden appeared to show Reds supporters with tickets stuck outside a gate, complaining that they were unable to access the ground. Several of them were then forced to cover their mouths with clothing as a uniformed officer can be seen spraying a can in their direction.
Shortly after posting the clip, Ogden then commented: "Police letting fans in ridiculously slowly. Pepper spray still in the air among the Liverpool fans. Police too heavy handed. Fans are calm and behaving themselves".
Sports correspondent Carrie Brown, tweeting just before 8.30pm, said: "Just watched police charge and tear gas parents with kids at Gate Z". Daily Mail journalist and former ECHO writer Dominic King also tweeted tonight: "Let this be said now with absolutely clarity: there is no blame to be put on fans here, none whatsoever.
"French police have used pepper spray for no reason - and I know this because I’ve felt the effects with some colleagues. How these people are being treated is a disgrace".
An initial UEFA message inside the ground said the kick-off had been delayed due to the "late arrival of fans at the stadium" - despite pictures and video showing thousands queuing at the stadium hours before the game.
That was later amended to suggest that the postponement was because of a "security issue". Describing the scenes that unfolded, one Liverpool fan tweeted: "Worst experience I’ve ever had at a football ground shame on you UEFA, in and safe but don’t know how, no-one asked to see a ticket till we got to a turnstile and complete chaos outside."
West Derby MP Ian Byrne tweeted: "I’ve just endured one of the worst experiences in my life. Shambolic and I pray no fans have been injured because of the disgraceful lack of organisation & expertise."
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram added: "The scenes outside the Stade De France are completely chaotic, with a total breakdown of control and communication outside the ground. All relevant authorities must be held accountable for this failure."
Former ECHO journalist Andy Kelly said: "Absolutely dreadful organisation at Stade de France. Here two and a half hours early, 1000s still outside. Police herded fans into dangerous bottleneck in underpass. Now gates shut with fans with tickets all stuck outside. Disgrace UEFA.
"Fans queuing outside with tickets for a gate that’s been shut for no reason just been tear gassed. Thoroughly unpleasant experience and so dangerous. This isn’t how fans should be treated in a civilised society. Unacceptable"
The ECHO contacted UEFA for a comment.
