In a candid interview, Gérald Darmanin, the French Justice Minister and former Interior Minister, acknowledged the significant security failures during the 2022 Champions League final held at Stade de France, a match that witnessed chaotic scenes involving Liverpool fans. For the first time, Darmanin publicly apologized for misattributing the blame to Liverpool supporters, admitting that his prior accusations were poorly informed and erroneous.
French Justice Minister Issues Apology to Liverpool Fans Over 2022 Champions League Incident
French Justice Minister Issues Apology to Liverpool Fans Over 2022 Champions League Incident
France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin finally takes responsibility for the mismanagement that led to turmoil during the 2022 Champions League final, reconciling with affected Liverpool supporters.
Darmanin described the events of that night as “the biggest failure” of his career, specifically pointing out that the real issue stemmed from criminal gangs targeting fans rather than the Liverpool supporters themselves. He conceded that the police's tactical response was inadequate, preparing for potential hooliganism when they should have anticipated other forms of violence.
The original narrative propagated by the French authorities attributed the chaos to Liverpool fans arriving with counterfeit tickets, a claim later disproven by a UEFA-commissioned investigation. Darmanin expressed regret for how he prematurely labeled fans as troublemakers, noting, “The scapegoat was easy to find, and I apologize now to Liverpool supporters. They were quite right to be hurt. It was a mistake and a failure.”
As part of a broader discussion, Darmanin raised concerns about escalating violence in France, indicating that no area appears free from danger, a statement that has ignited criticism from opposition politicians. There is increasing speculation regarding his political ambitions, as he hinted at potential future candidacy for the presidency.
Darmanin's introspection raises questions about the need for improved security measures and clearer communication to prevent similar incidents, particularly as discussions continue about the impact of the 2022 event on the relationship between French authorities and international football fans.
This apology marks a significant step in mending relations with Liverpool fans and acknowledging the mistakes made during a night that marred a major footballing event.
The fallout from the 2022 Champions League chaos remains significant, with discussions focused on accountability, police tactics, and the societal implications of violence in public spaces.
The original narrative propagated by the French authorities attributed the chaos to Liverpool fans arriving with counterfeit tickets, a claim later disproven by a UEFA-commissioned investigation. Darmanin expressed regret for how he prematurely labeled fans as troublemakers, noting, “The scapegoat was easy to find, and I apologize now to Liverpool supporters. They were quite right to be hurt. It was a mistake and a failure.”
As part of a broader discussion, Darmanin raised concerns about escalating violence in France, indicating that no area appears free from danger, a statement that has ignited criticism from opposition politicians. There is increasing speculation regarding his political ambitions, as he hinted at potential future candidacy for the presidency.
Darmanin's introspection raises questions about the need for improved security measures and clearer communication to prevent similar incidents, particularly as discussions continue about the impact of the 2022 event on the relationship between French authorities and international football fans.
This apology marks a significant step in mending relations with Liverpool fans and acknowledging the mistakes made during a night that marred a major footballing event.
The fallout from the 2022 Champions League chaos remains significant, with discussions focused on accountability, police tactics, and the societal implications of violence in public spaces.
