UEFA has been criticized for an “abject failure” that endangered lives in a report on the circumstances surrounding the 2021–2022 Champions League final.
Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0, but the match was marred by significant unrest before the game began as fans of both teams—mostly Liverpool fans—had confrontational exchanges with Paris police.
Tear gas was used in confined spaces as fans were herded into small spaces, and local authorities later accused ticketless fans of trying to enter the game without tickets—a claim that was later refuted.
According to a report from the French parliament, Liverpool fans had been unfairly and stereotypically blamed for the mayhem, and UEFA is currently conducting its own investigation, which is anticipated to be finished in November.
This most recent report, which was compiled by five top experts in their fields, including Hillsborough campaigner Professor Phil Scraton, accused UEFA of being unprepared for the match and suggested a “emergency management review” to address the governing body’s shortcomings.