Real Madrid mentioned Friday it desires an evidence for the causes of the dysfunction that left its followers “abandoned and defenseless” on the Champions League ultimate. The membership’s name for solutions got here six days after issues occurred outdoors the Stade de France in suburban Paris, the place Madrid gained the European title by defeating Liverpool 1-0.
“We call for answers and explanations in order to determine those responsible for leaving the fans abandoned and defenseless,” Madrid mentioned in a press release. “Fans who in general terms showed exemplary conduct at all times.” The Spanish membership questioned the choice to select suburban Paris as a alternative for the Russian metropolis of Saint Petersburg, which was initially scheduled to host the ultimate earlier than Russia invaded Ukraine.
“We would like to know the reasons which led to this venue being chosen to host the final and the criteria used, taking into account the experiences of the day,” Madrid mentioned. Liverpool had already complained about these concerned in organizing the occasion shortly after the ultimate. Most of the eye on the time went to the entry issues confronted by the English membership’s followers, however later there have been additionally stories of dysfunction on the Madrid facet.
The Spanish membership was upset with the violence that occurred outdoors the stadium after the sport. It mentioned that “something which should have been a wonderful festival of football” for followers “quickly turned into a series of unfortunate events which have caused a sense of outrage around the world.”
Best of Express PremiumPremiumPremiumPremiumPremium
It talked about the “revealing images” printed by the media that confirmed a number of supporters being “attacked, harassed, assaulted and robbed in violent fashion. These occurrences continued as they moved in their cars or busses, causing concern for their physical well-being. Certain fans even had to spend the night in hospital as a result of injuries.” Authorities mentioned the issues after the match occurred as a result of cops had been moved nearer to the stadium gates to assist disperse followers, leaving different areas with out surveillance.
Liverpool mentioned it collected greater than 5,000 testimonies from supporters who traveled to France. Chief government Billy Hogan mentioned he was “horrified by the way some men, women, children — able bodied, less able bodied — have been indiscriminately treated.” Madrid defender Dani Carvajal mentioned it was “a pretty big mess” for his membership’s followers and that safety was not property offered for the supporters or the gamers’ relations earlier than and after the match.
According to the French Football Federation (FFF), 35,000 individuals with out tickets or with “fake” tickets made their method to the Stade de France, creating dysfunction by blocking entry to the stadium and stopping followers who had actual tickets from getting in.
European soccer’s governing physique, UEFA, has additionally began to assemble proof about points outdoors the Stade de France that marred one of many world’s largest sporting events. “Football has transmitted an image to the world which is far away from the values and goals which it should pursue,” Madrid mentioned.
“Our fans and supporters deserve a response and those responsible to be held accountable in order for events like these to be eradicated from football and sport in general.”
