France’s sports ministry has announced a high-level meeting to investigate security failures that led to chaotic scenes outside Paris’ Stade de France during the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. The gathering, scheduled for Monday, will include UEFA officials, French football authorities, and police representatives to address systemic issues that prevented ticket-holding fans from entering the stadium.
Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera acknowledged shortcomings in event management, stating, "Some supporters who had tickets were not able to access the match." The incident, which involved police using tear gas and pepper spray on crowds, raised concerns about France’s readiness to host major international events, including the 2024 Olympics and 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Liverpool FC criticized the security response, calling for a formal investigation into the "unacceptable" breakdown of perimeter controls. The club’s statement highlighted delays caused by "fake tickets that did not work in the turnstiles," which UEFA attributed as a key factor in the 35-minute postponement of the final. Police detained 105 individuals, with 39 arrested, as tensions escalated over barriers separating fans from the stadium.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin initially blamed "thousands of British ‘supporters’ without tickets" for the disorder, but political critics argued the chaos exposed broader governance failures. Far-left politician Jean-Luc Melenchon condemned the incident as a "lamentable" reflection of France’s unpreparedness for global events. Meanwhile, a Liverpool fan compared police conduct to "an absolute disgrace," evoking memories of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 people died in a stadium crush.
