On May 30, 2022, Liverpool fans feared a repeat of the Hillsborough disaster during the Champions League final in Paris, where they were met with tear gas and funnelled into overcrowded corridors by French police.
The delay in kick-off, which lasted over 30 minutes, was initially blamed on 'industrial-scale' fraud in fake tickets by French authorities.
However, supporters rejected this account, raising doubts over France's ability to host major sporting events like the Rugby World Cup and Olympic Games.
Liverpool fans contacted by AFP cited the lack of signage guiding them to the right gates and inadequate ticket checks on the stadium perimeter as contributing factors to the chaos.
Claims by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin that police action 'saved lives' were met with anger from fans who had to fight for justice for the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
MP Ian Byrne compared the scenes to Hillsborough, stating, 'It took you back to Hillsborough if you were unfortunate enough to be at Hillsborough in 1989.'
UEFA initially blamed fans for arriving late, but tens of thousands had been queueing for hours outside the ground, held up by bottlenecks caused by police.
Supporters were also targeted by muggers and pickpockets, with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram having his phone and other possessions stolen.
Liverpool fan Willie Miller compared the scenes to Hillsborough, stating, 'All around the stadium there were groups of locals, who were armed with knives, looking for trouble.'
UEFA is facing criticism for the lack of organisation despite sky-high ticket prices ranging from 70 to 690 euros.
