Footage has emerged on social media of French police appearing to use pepper spray on Liverpool fans. Kick-off in the Champions League final between the Reds and Real Madrid was delayed by more than 30 minutes due to a security alert outside Stade de France.
Thousands of Liverpool supporters were stuck outside the stadium shortly before the original scheduled kick-off time of 8pm, with UEFA stating the delay was due to the "late arrival of fans". However, it has emerged that a large number of Reds supporters had queued outside the venue for several hours, with many fearing they would miss the match. And several videos posted online appear to show police using pepper spray on fans. It has also been reported that tear gas was deployed.
Former Liverpool CEO Peter Moore tweeted: "Disgraceful scenes outside the stadium. 'Late arrival of fans' should read 'horrendous organization'. Fans have been here for hours. Stadium operations incapable of managing flow and access. Victim blaming at its very best…"
Journalist Matt Pearson was caught up in the chaos even after the match had started. He wrote on Twitter: "Just got tear gassed (assume it was that) outside the Stade de France. Caught in the crossfire of people trying to get in and police. Still chaos outside the #UCLfinal."
The game got underway at 8:37pm. Gary Lineker was also caught up in what he described as "absolute carnage". On Twitter, he wrote: "Finding it impossible to get in the ground. This appears to be very dangerous. Absolute carnage."
The former striker went on to add: "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****."
