PARIS – In a significant reversal, former French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has publicly apologized to Liverpool Football Club supporters for the handling of security operations at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris. Darmanin, now serving as Justice Minister, acknowledged that authorities “got the measures wrong” during the event, which was marred by chaotic scenes and significant delays.
The final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France was overshadowed by a 37-minute delay to kick-off as fans struggled to access the entrances due to overcrowded bottlenecks. In the immediate aftermath, Darmanin had placed blame on Liverpool fans, alleging that many arrived without valid tickets. However, in a recent interview broadcast on YouTube, he admitted the authorities were at fault.
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“Yes, it was a failure,” Darmanin stated. “Because I hadn’t checked what was happening properly, which was my mistake, and because I gave in to preconceived ideas. I apologize to Liverpool fans. Of course, they were right to [feel angry].”
The events saw police deploy tear gas against supporters trapped behind metal fences outside the stadium. Initial reports and claims following the final falsely accused fans of late arrival and blamed an “industrial-scale fraud” of fake tickets.
However, subsequent investigations, including a French Sénat inquiry, determined that poorly executed security arrangements were the primary cause of the disruption. An independent report later placed “primary responsibility” on UEFA, European football’s governing body, for failures that nearly resulted in a “mass fatality catastrophe.” The report highlighted the fact that it was “remarkable” that no lives were lost that night. Real Madrid ultimately won the final with a score of 1-0.
Darmanin’s apology marks a turning point in the long-standing controversy surrounding the event and offers a measure of closure to Liverpool supporters who experienced distress and faced unfounded accusations.
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