Lawyers for Liverpool fans bring nearly 900 claims against UEFA after catastrophic Champions League final
Liverpool fans are making nearly 900 claims against UEFA after chaotic scenes at last year’s Champions League final in Paris, which they were initially blamed for
Lawyers representing Liverpool supporters embroiled in the chaos before and after the Reds’ Champions League final against Real Madrid in Paris have formally filed more than 900 claims, according to reports.
Sportsmail’s Dominic King previously revealed that more than 2,600 fans were seeking compensation following the chaos at the Stade de Paris, but on Monday Leigh Day – the law firm engaged by the supporters – filed a collective personal injury claim on behalf of 887 fans with the District Register of Liverpool from the Supreme Court.
From Sky Sportsthe company is filing the claim on the grounds that UEFA failed to provide “a safe environment” at the legendary French stadium, and that the fans who suffered physical or psychological harm are legally liable.
An independent investigation in February found UEFA had “primary responsibility” to the French police and the French Football Federation, who were also guilty of failings that “nearly led to disaster.”
Following the report, which contained 21 recommendations for organizing and hosting events of a similar scale, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin apologized for what happened during the final and to the fans themselves, saying he was relieved “nothing terrible happened.”
Thousands of fans were trapped outside the Stade de Paris during the Liverpool final in May 2022
To add to the chaos off the ground, French police sprayed some calm fans with tear gas
Speaking in Lisbon at Wednesday’s UEFA congress, where the president was re-elected to his post after playing unopposed, Ceferin appeared to allude to the embarrassing events of last year’s final.
“We must never forget the mistakes of the past and we must remain humble at all times,” Ceferin noted. ‘Nothing is ever taken for granted.
Unfortunately, unlike goalkeepers, leaders can never keep a clean sheet. No leader can boast an impeccable track record, no matter how much he invests and how passionate, professional or experienced he is.
There was immediate opposition to UEFA’s initial claims of fan default
Liverpool fans have booed the Champions League anthem ahead of games this season
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin spoke of the “stains” on the organisation’s reputation
“There are always a few blemishes, a few mistakes that tarnish our reputation, mistakes they are eager to erase.
“I am no different and UEFA is no different. The important thing is to understand and change the mistake, not repeat it.”
UEFA announced in March that they would refund all Liverpool supporters who attended the final in a £3.5 million payout as part of their apology for initial insinuations that the fans could be to blame.
The independent report noted that it was only the calmness of the Reds fans on the day that could have prevented a ‘mass fatality catastrophe’.