The 2022 Champions League final was a nightmare for many fans who showed up to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year. The negligence and incompetence of the organizers of the final, in particular UEFA, European football’s governing body, prevented many fans from making it to the Stade de France before kick-off. Those trapped outside were intimidated by police and local gangs.
In the end, many were never even able to penetrate the ground, and even those who were able to get inside the doors were physically and mentally scarred by their experience. Instead of taking responsibility for the shambolic organization, those in power have alternately blamed someone other than themselves. Above all, they tried to lay the blame at the feet of Liverpool fans.
While the majority of people are well aware that the failures of the final fall squarely at the feet of the organisers, the BBC reports that two law firms representing more than 1,800 supporters are set to press charges against UEFA for “breaking contract in the sale of tickets”. and the neglect of a duty of care they owed to supporters, who were physically and psychologically harmed.
Gerard Long of Binghams Solicitors in Liverpool, who is suing on behalf of 1,450 fans, cited the trauma his friends, family and fellow fans experienced in the final as the reason for the lawsuit.
“As a lifelong Liverpool fan, I was absolutely horrified when I heard how events unfolded at what should have been the climax of the football season,” Long said. “Not only other fans, but my friends, family and clients who were present that day spoke of the terrifying scenes that surrounded the Stade de France before and even after the game.”
Another firm, Leigh Day, is preparing a lawsuit on behalf of 400 other supporters over “UEFA’s failure to provide a safe and secure environment”.
“It was truly shocking to see how Liverpool fans and others who had traveled to watch the Champions League final were treated both during the game and afterwards,” spokespersons said. Leigh Day. “The accounts of their experiences paint a picture of a terrifying situation where people truly feared for their lives.”
It’s unclear what the chances are of the prosecution succeeding, but any attempt to try to force UEFA to face up to its responsibilities and make amends for its failings can only be seen as a good thing. At the very least, the prosecution should continue to draw attention to UEFA’s denial of responsibility and lead to further investigations into their attempts to cover up the true causes of the horrific conditions outside the Stade de France.