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4h ago

French Justice Minister Apologizes for Blaming Liverpool Fans in 2022 Champions League Chaos

Gérald Darmanin admits to mistakes, retracts false claims, and acknowledges systemic failures in Paris final crowd management.

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French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin attends a political rally of the Renaissance party in Saint-Denis near Paris, France, April 6, 2025. REUTERS/Tom Nicholson/File Photo
FILE - France's Justice minister Gerald Darmanin looks on as he leaves the weekly cabinet meeting, Feb. 19, 2025 at the Elysee Palace in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)
Liverpool fans were left pinned against fences and many were unable to get into the 2022 Champions League final in Paris

Overview

  • Gérald Darmanin, France's Justice Minister, apologized to Liverpool fans for wrongfully blaming them for the 2022 Champions League final chaos in Paris.
  • Darmanin admitted to relying on preconceived notions of English hooliganism and failing to verify the situation before making public accusations.
  • An independent review and French Senate enquiry found UEFA and security mismanagement primarily responsible for the dangerous overcrowding and logistical failures.
  • The initial claim of 40,000 fake tickets was debunked, with only 2,471 forged tickets identified, contradicting Darmanin's earlier statements.
  • Legal proceedings continue as UEFA faces pressure to engage in meaningful compensation talks following a High Court ruling allowing claims to be heard in England.