A French Senate inquiry into chaotic scenes at the Champions League final in May in Paris concluded Wednesday the problems were caused by a "string of dysfunctions" in the organization, rather than Liverpool supporters, as claimed by the government. The "dysfunctions" included a "failure to anticipate how supporters would arrive at the stadium" due to a transport strike. The inquiry "discounted the issue of fake tickets," the late arrival of supporters at the stadium, or the presence of thousands of fans without tickets as the main causes. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin had "suggested all of these as factors to explain the fiasco, which was a national embarrassment for France." Darmanin survived a government reshuffle in May and has "since been given extra responsiblity as interior minister despite his widely disputed claims" (FRANCE 24, 7/13).
A leading Liverpool supporters’ group "has called for a full public apology from the French government" following the Senate report that found Reds fans were blamed for the chaos at last season’s Champions League final in order to "divert attention" away from organizational failings. Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly supporters’ group welcomed the report’s findings but added, "There remains the issue of lies being persistently repeated. We want a full apology from the French government with a complete retraction of the lies purported on their behalf on and since 28 May 2022, and will continue to lobby to achieve it" (London EVENING STANDARD, 7/13).
