French police are currently in Liverpool as Reds fans are being asked to raise complaints about their experiences in Paris for the Champions League final.
The ECHO understands a number of representatives from French police are currently in the city in regards to raising complaints about the match and how they were treated. At the same time, Reds fans who were victims of crime in Paris are being asked to submit reports via the French Embassy in London.
Thousands of fans endured nightmare experiences in the French capital around the Champions League Final. Many were forced into dangerously small spaces and attacked by police with pepper spray and tear gas before the game, while others were mugged and assaulted by local gangs on their way out of the Stade de France.
READ MORE: Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram to appear before French senate to discuss Paris chaos
The French government has been widely criticised for its handling and organisation of the event and its shameless attempts to blame Liverpool fans for the problems that occurred. UEFA has apologised to Liverpool and Real Madrid fans for the problems before the game and is carrying out an investigation - but fans and politicians are pushing for a wider investigation to take into account the harrowing experiences of supporters who were attacked when leaving the Stade de France.
French authorities are now asking fans to contact them with their complaints if they were victims of crime in Paris. A message has been posted on the website of the Embassy of France in London. It states: "From June 6 2022, foreign nationals who were victims of crime during the Champions League Final on 28 and 29 May 2022 can file a complaint to the French judicial authorities.
"These temporary arrangements reflect the French Government’s wish to give foreign nationals the opportunity to get in direct contact with the French judicial authorities regarding crimes of which they believe they were victims during the event."
Liverpool fans are encouraged to visit the embassy website here and download a form, which can be completed in English and posted to an address in Paris. While the form asks about specific crime incidents, there doesn't appear to be anywhere for fans - many of whom were targeted with tear gas and pepper spray by French forces - to complain about their treatment by police officers.
Many fans have spoken out about their terrifying experiences both before and after the Paris final. Today the ECHO reported on 24-year-old Irish Reds fan Brad Young who was stabbed with a needle on his way home from the match. He said he feared for his life and is now waiting on test results after the attack.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram was also a victim of crime, having his phone and other valuables stolen while waiting to enter the Stade de France. Mayor Rotheram will appear at the French Senate to discuss his own experiences on Thursday.
The ECHO is attempting to get more details about the visit to Liverpool of French police.
