Gerald Darmanin, the former French interior minister, has issued an apology to Liverpool supporters for erroneously attributing the chaos at the Stade de France during the 2022 Champions League final to them.
Currently serving as the justice minister, Darmanin conceded that the security measures in place for the clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid were insufficient. He acknowledged that his earlier public statements, which placed the blame on English fans, were misguided, as reported by UK media on Monday.
Fans found themselves in perilous crowd congestion outside the Stade de France prior to the match, which was delayed by more than half an hour. Footage showed French police deploying tear gas on supporters, who expressed dissatisfaction with the heavy-handed tactics as they were funnelled into pens outside the venue.
Darmanin, alongside other French ministers, held a press conference just two days following the match and attributed the disorder to “English fans” and their alleged possession of counterfeit tickets.
He has since retracted these comments, labelling that night as “the biggest failure” of his career during an interview on YouTube’s French Legend show.
“What I failed to recognise that evening was that the real issue did not stem from English supporters, but rather from delinquents who were robbing fans,” he stated.
“Because I hadn’t properly assessed the situation, which was my error, and because I succumbed to preconceived notions… it was easy to point fingers, and I sincerely apologise to Liverpool fans. Naturally, they had every right to feel aggrieved.”
In March, UEFA, the European governing body, lost its attempt to dismiss lawsuits filed by hundreds of Liverpool fans who attended the Champions League final, seeking compensation for personal injuries allegedly sustained amid the turmoil outside the stadium.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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