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Liverpool fans who endured the chaotic scenes outside the Stade de France during the 2022 Champions League final have been granted compensation by UEFA. The football governing body was found to bear “primary responsibility” for the distressing events that unfolded in Paris, nearly resulting in a “mass fatality catastrophe.”
Fans, who were penned in and sprayed with tear gas, faced harrowing experiences as kick-off was delayed by 36 minutes. On Friday, UEFA announced that they had reached “a full and final settlement” with the affected Liverpool supporters. This agreement, which relates to 1,450 claimants represented by global law company Pogust Goodhead and Liverpool law firm Bingham Long, signifies a resolution to the legal dispute.
Both UEFA and the legal teams involved have decided to keep the compensation amount confidential. However, they emphasized that the Liverpool fans had “accepted” and “welcomed” the offer, indicating a step towards closure for those affected by the traumatic ordeal.
The chaos outside the Stade de France sparked discussions regarding the accountability of UEFA and French authorities. Initially, blame was directed towards ticketless fans for the tumultuous scenes. However, an independent report released in February 2023 shifted the focus onto UEFA, holding them responsible for the “chaotic scenes” that “almost led to disaster.”
Many Liverpool fans recounted facing long queues and a heavy-handed police response in the lead-up to the match against Real Madrid. Some even reported instances of being tear-gassed by police and attacked or robbed by locals allowed to gather nearby. The report drew chilling parallels with the Hillsborough disaster of 1989, where overcrowding resulted in the tragic deaths of 97 Liverpool supporters during an FA Cup semi-final match.
In response to the settlement, Uefa clarified that it was made without any admission of liability. Despite this, they expressed satisfaction in reaching a common position with the fans, aiming to provide closure to those who were affected by the events outside the Stade de France.
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