An independent investigation blames the French police for the chaos surrounding the Champions League final last May.
It is closed “criminal assault” come, says the report, chaired by Professor Phil Scratonwho also led the investigation into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. “Continued indiscriminate police attacks on fans and the unprovoked use of tear gas against men, women and children trapped in confined spaces have been indiscriminate and dangerous.”it said.
230 people injured
The kick-off for the final between Real Madrid and FC Liverpool (1-0) on May 29 in Stade de France in St Denis was delayed by more than half an hour because many fans had difficulty getting to their seats. Some were pushed back by French police with tear gas, more than 230 people were injured.
An investigation by the French Senate in July blamed a lack of preparation on the part of the French authorities and the organiser, the continental association UEFA, and poorly implemented security measures.
memories of Hillsborough-Catastrophe
With many Liverpool-Fans would have memories of the mass stampede in the scenes Hillsborough awakened, in which 97 fans died, according to the current British investigation. This led to collective action by Liverpool fans preventing a tragedy in the French capital – no one died.
“The continued failure to manage crowds has seriously impacted the health and well-being of fans. It is clear from testimonies from fans that they have been frustrated by aggressive policing, ineffective security measures and the failure to implement comprehensive stadium security plans based on to implement risk management principles”according to the study.
UEFA report in November
UEFA’s independent report on the final’s organizational flaws is due to be published in November. Paris is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics. After the incidents of the Champions League-Finals, the safety concept for the major event was put to the test.