Liverpool fans caught in the horrific Champions League crush welcomed UEFA's new safeguarding plans but will continue with a legal claim.
UEFA announced plans to improve safeguards for football supporters for future cup finals after being widely blamed for security failures at the Champions League final in Paris last year. The move was demanded by investigators after the match was blighted by failures from the football governing body and French authorities.
Police in Paris used tear gas on fans stuck in congested, slow-moving queues that caused a crush around the turnstiles. The match was eventually delayed by about 40 minutes with UEFA initially blaming late-arriving Liverpool fans.
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The changes come after an independent review found it was "remarkable no one lost their life" and UEFA bears "primary responsibility" for the safety failures. Leigh Day, the law firm representing over 1,150 fans, welcomed the changes but added it does not impact the legal claim.
UEFA's new measures include working closely with supporters' groups, dedicated supporter liaison officers, improved standards and stadium infrastructure for supporters with disabilities, dedicated staff at each turnstile to help fans with ticket issues, and an increased number of UEFA safety and security officers.
Clare Campbell and Jill Paterson, partners at Leigh Day, said: "With the anniversary of last year’s final just around the corner, we are pleased that UEFA has made a commitment to implement the recommendations in the report. While this is a positive step that will hopefully ensure other football supporters will not experience anything like the horrific events that Liverpool fans went through last year, it does not undo the damage that was done on the day.
"Many of the clients we represent are still suffering the effects, both mentally and physically, and we will continue to proceed with legal action on their behalf."
Leigh Day is bringing the group claim on the basis that UEFA failed to ensure a safe and secure environment for those attending and owe a legal liability to those who suffered physical and/or psychological injuries. Leigh Day has formally filed 886 claims against UEFA.
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