Tom Werner, chairman of Liverpool FC and a member of the US-based Fenway Sports Group, has demanded an apology from French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera for remarks linking the club to chaos at the Champions League final in Paris.
In a leaked letter to the minister, Werner expressed shock at her claims that Liverpool failed to manage its supporters, calling the comments "irresponsible" and "wholly disrespectful" to fans who endured physical and emotional trauma. He emphasized the need for an independent investigation into the events, which marred the May 28 match against Real Madrid.
Oudea-Castera initially attributed the disorder to poor fan organization by the club, while the French government cited "massive" ticket fraud as a contributing factor. The incident has raised concerns about Paris's capacity to host major events, including the 2024 Olympics and 2023 Rugby World Cup.
UEFA has launched an independent inquiry led by Portuguese politician Tiago Brandao Rodrigues, with findings expected to determine accountability. The organization urged all parties to avoid a "blame game" and prioritize transparency.
Werner highlighted accounts of police harassment, pepper spray, and tear gas used against fans, drawing parallels to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. He criticized the lack of evidence behind official statements and reiterated calls for an impartial review of the events.
