Almost a week on from the horrific scenes at the Champions League final, UEFA and French authorities are yet to take blame for some of the horrible events that both Liverpool and Real Madrid fans had to endure in the French capital.
Many fans were robbed and pickpotted around the stadium while young fans, women and anyone within reach of the French police were pepper sprayed and tear gassed on their way into the Stade de France, leading to kick off being delayed by over 30 minutes.
Liverpool have called for an investigation into the shambolic organisation of the event and have asked any fans that were at the game to fill out a form, detailing the issues that they had to face in the build up to the game.
Champions League final: Real Madrid's statement
Earlier today, Real Madrid issued a statement where they have called for answers from UEFA and the French government into their handling of club football's most prestigious event.
In light of the unfortunate events which took place on the 28th of May in the surroundings of and at access points to the Stade de France, and even inside the stadium itself, Real Madrid C. F. wishes to express the following in defence of our fans, who were victim to said events:
1.- We would like to know the reasons which led to this venue being chosen to host the final and the criteria used, taking into account the experiences of the day.
2.- Furthermore, we call for answers and explanations in order to determine those responsible for leaving the fans abandoned and defenceless. Fans who in general terms showed exemplary conduct at all times.
We believe something which should have been a wonderful festival of football for all fans who attended the game, quickly turned into a series of unfortunate events which have caused a sense of outrage around the world.
As was evident in the revealing images published by the media, several fans were attacked, harassed, assaulted and robbed in violent fashion. These occurrences continued as they moved in their cars or busses, causing concern for their physical wellbeing. Certain fans even had to spend the night in hospital as a result of injuries.
Football has transmitted an image to the world which is far away from the values and goals which it should pursue.
Our fans and supporters deserve a response and those responsible to be held accountable in order for events like these to be eradicated from football and sport in general.
Darmanin blames Liverpool supporters
French interior minister Gerald Darmanin blamed the trouble on many fans arriving with fake tickets describing it as "a massive fraud at an industrial level". He also bizarrely thanked French police for their work at the Champions League final.
Darmanin said:
"We received a police memo saying we would have no trouble with Real Madrid fans, but several hundreds of Liverpool fans would attempt to push through the turnstiles.
"I'd like to thank the forces of law and order. They were very calm and able to avoid drama."
French interior minister Gerald Darmanin says there was "massive fraud at an industrial level" at the Champions League final in Paris, with 70% of tickets coming into the Stade de France thought to be fake.
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Pundits, players, journalists and supporters that were at the Champions League final have been quick to defend the innocent fans, while calling for authorities to take action on the events.
Sickening, incomprehensible claims from Darmanin that "because people were pushing, to avoid people being crushed, police deployed tear gas."
Never mind the many, many lies he's telling, just have a think about that sentence, and that logic. Utterly disgraceful.— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) June 1, 2022
Gerald Darmanin is the fraud. The lies & spin from people in authority is a disgrace. @UEFA @AOC1978 https://t.co/wAJuGKt5yy
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) May 30, 2022
Whether this statement from Real Madrid will encourage Darmanin to take back his comments is yet to be seen, but it is definitely a positive move from the 14 -European champions to stand firm with Liverpool after the poor treatment of fans at the Champions League final.
SEE ALSO: Furious Reaction As French Minister Thanks Police, And Blames Liverpool Fans For UCL Final Controversy
