Former interior minister Gérald Darmanin publicly acknowledged the mistakes made during the event at Stade de France, admitting to misjudging the situation and apologizing to Liverpool fans.
French Minister Issues Apology to Liverpool Fans for 2022 Champions League Fiasco
French Minister Issues Apology to Liverpool Fans for 2022 Champions League Fiasco
In a significant turn of events, France's justice minister has expressed regret over the mismanagement of the 2022 Champions League final, incorrectly blaming Liverpool supporters for the chaos.
In a candid interview, Darmanin addressed the security breakdown during the highly publicized match between Liverpool and Real Madrid, where chaotic scenes erupted, leading to fan distress and injuries. Initially, Darmanin and police officials placed the blame on Liverpool supporters for causing the turmoil, claiming many were armed with counterfeit tickets. However, an independent investigation later countered these allegations, revealing that the true source of the disruption stemmed from gangs targeting fans.
During his discussion, Darmanin stated, "What I did not appreciate was that the real problem was not coming from English supporters, but from delinquents who were robbing fans." He recognized that the security arrangements were insufficient for the type of disorder that ensued, highlighting a lack of prepared officers to combat muggers rather than violent hooligans.
Furthermore, Darmanin lamented the broader rise of violence across France, sparking criticism from political adversaries who argue that the government's inaction on these issues is alarming. He also indicated his ambitions for a future political role, hinting at potential presidential aspirations.
Despite the apology and acknowledgments of the failures, the incident continues to stir emotions and discussions about policing and safety in high-stakes environments like major sporting events.
During his discussion, Darmanin stated, "What I did not appreciate was that the real problem was not coming from English supporters, but from delinquents who were robbing fans." He recognized that the security arrangements were insufficient for the type of disorder that ensued, highlighting a lack of prepared officers to combat muggers rather than violent hooligans.
Furthermore, Darmanin lamented the broader rise of violence across France, sparking criticism from political adversaries who argue that the government's inaction on these issues is alarming. He also indicated his ambitions for a future political role, hinting at potential presidential aspirations.
Despite the apology and acknowledgments of the failures, the incident continues to stir emotions and discussions about policing and safety in high-stakes environments like major sporting events.
