Police Failures at 2022 Champions League Final: A Critical Look
The 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid was marred by severe security failures, with Liverpool fans bearing the brunt of the chaos. A recent report by the Defense des Droits, highlighted by The Athletic, has exposed critical lapses in police conduct and proposed new safety measures for future events in France.
Major Security Failures
The report condemns the French police for failing in their duty to protect attendees at the Stade de France. The use of tear gas was deemed “absolutely not necessary or appropriate,” contributing to widespread panic among the supporters. According to the findings, this action “endangered” the legitimate attendees, the majority of whom were there to enjoy the match.
Liverpool Fans’ Ordeal
Liverpool fans experienced significant distress due to these security lapses. Many supporters with disabilities lodged complaints about the excessive use of tear gas and the police’s failure to shield them from local gang attacks as they exited the stadium. The chaotic situation led to a dangerous bottleneck at the Liverpool end of the ground, exacerbated by limited signage and poor crowd management.
Recommendations for Future Events
The report makes several recommendations to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Key among these is the use of body cameras by police whenever they deploy weapons. This measure aims to ensure accountability and proper conduct during such high-stakes situations. Additionally, it suggests issuing instructions in multiple languages to cater to the diverse nationalities present at major events.
The report also criticizes the handling of a pre-screening point, which was abandoned amid rising pressure and fears of crowd crushes. This decision allowed “400 individuals without tickets” to infiltrate the outer concourse, further complicating the situation. Testimonies from supporters and journalists highlight the role of local gangs in exacerbating the chaos, leading to attacks on fans after the match.
Official Responses and Apologies
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who initially blamed counterfeit tickets for the chaos, has since apologized for the mismanagement. He will now consider the report’s proposals, including stricter regulations on tear gas use at sports and cultural events. This acknowledgment of failure and the commitment to implementing changes are crucial steps towards ensuring safer environments for sports fans.
Conclusion
The 2022 Champions League final’s security debacle underscores the need for comprehensive reforms in event management and policing. Liverpool fans, who endured significant trauma, deserve assurance that such incidents will not recur. The recommendations from the Defense des Droits report, if implemented effectively, could set a new standard for safety at major sporting events, safeguarding the well-being of all attendees.
