Gary Lineker has slammed UEFA for blaming fans for the delay of the Champions League final.
There were shambolic scenes outside the Stade de France as long queues formed with supporters unable to get inside in time for the showdown between Liverpool and Real Madrid. The stadium announcer confirmed at 8.46pm local time – 14 minutes before kick-off – that the fixture had been delayed by 15 minutes.
UEFA later said the game would kick off at 9.36pm local time and singer Camila Cabello performed her set as part of the opening ceremony at a ground where a number of fans still had not made their way inside.
The announcer claimed the delay was due to "the late arrival of fans at the stadium" as UEFA initially blamed supporters but have since backtracked as it's believed that fans turned up in plenty of time before the scheduled kick-off time. A spokesperson said: "For security reasons, the match has been delayed by 15 minutes".
Lineker, who was in attendance of the game, was caught up in the chaos as he called out UEFA for blaming the delay on the fans. He tweeted: "Finding it impossible to get in the ground. This appears to be very dangerous. Absolute carnage.
"I’m not sure it’s possible to have a more poorly organised event if you tried. Absolutely shambolic and dangerous. @UEFAcom. They’ve just announced another 15-minute delay 'because of the late arrival of fans'. Utter bull****."
Kelly Cates – the daughter of Liverpool great Sir Kenny Dalglish – posted: "Absolutely shambolic at the Stade de France. No way in, no way of knowing which way to go. Stay safe if you’re heading in. It has the potential to be very dangerous."
There were large patches of empty seats as the original kick-off time passed and went, with long queues forming due to a distinct lack of organisation. Some ticketless fans were seen scaling the perimeter fence or attempting to dart past security.
At least one gate was locked outside the ground – Gate Y, which was the main one for the Liverpool end. Fans were seen up against the fence shouting at people to sort the situation out and let them in. Riot police were in attendance with tear gas being used on Liverpool fans.
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."
