A visual investigation into the 2022 Champions League final has exposed the chaotic organisation that led to a near-disaster for Liverpool supporters at the Stade de France. The French government, police, and Uefa initially blamed fans, claiming thousands sought entry with fake tickets, echoing the Hillsborough tragedy where supporters were falsely accused.
The match between Liverpool and Real Madrid on 28 May 2022 was marred by disorganisation, with riot police teargassing spectators and failing to protect them from violent attacks by local thugs. Two official French reports have since criticised the police operation but did not substantially challenge claims of widespread ticket fraud.
Liverpool and their supporters have consistently called for a full, independent inquiry. Uefa issued a 'sincere apology' but has not admitted to any failings or retracted its statements blaming fans. An independent review, ordered by Uefa, is due to report in November, while the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit investigates allegations of ticket fraud.
A French senate report concluded it was 'unfair to have tried to blame the Liverpool supporters for the disturbances, as the interior minister did, to divert attention from the state’s inability to manage crowds and curb violent delinquents.' No officials have resigned over the disorganisation.
