Liverpool called for a "formal investigation" into the security failings
Digital Desk: Real Madrid defeated Liverpool by 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final in Paris on Saturday (May 28) to secure a record-extending 14th European Cup.
However, the match was
delayed for more than half an hour with pretty crazy scenes unfolding outside
the Stade de France.
Thousands of people
travelled to Paris to watch Real Madrid take on Liverpool in the Champions
League final, but the match was postponed due to a security issue, according to
the organisers. The game started 36 minutes late because police were attempting
to hold off fans who were forcing their way into the stadium.
As the world awaited the
start of the final, a stadium announcer indicated the kick-off would be delayed
for security concerns until 2100 local time (1900GMT). The start of European
club soccer's showpiece has been postponed "due to the late arrival of
fans," it added later.
Moreover, the video
which were captured outside the stadium allegedly showed riot between the
police and the fans.
Notably, some of the
fans were reportedly being sprayed with pepper spray and others were being
escorted away.
French Police in a
statement stated that the supporters had attempted to penetrate the stadium and
force their way in. The police claimed that were intervened to push back people
trying to force their way through. Even after the kick-off, the
"manoeuvre" was still ongoing, they said.
It should be noted that
News agencies reported that the police further used teargas outside the
stadium. UEFA blamed "fake tickets which did not work in the
turnstiles" for the events that saw supporters held up outside the
stadium.
Meanwhile, UEFA in a
statement stated that in the lead-up to the game the turnstiles at the
Liverpool end became blocked by thousands of fans who had purchased fake
tickets which did not work in the turnstiles. As a result, there was a line of
fans waiting to get in and following this the game was postponed for 35 minutes
to allow as many supporters with valid tickets as possible to attend.
The families of
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's players and staff were caught up in the chaos
outside the Stade de France, Klopp said. "I couldn't speak to my family
yet, but I know the relatives had a tough time getting into the stadium”, he
added. He further added that he I heard a few things that were not pleasant.
It may be mentioned
that, Liverpool called for a "formal investigation" into the security
failings. In a statement the club stated, "This is the greatest match in
European football and supporters should not have to experience the scenes we
have witnessed tonight."
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