Champions League Final Chaos: France Blames ‘Massive’ Ticket Fraud Amid Policing Controversy

France has attributed the chaos outside Saturday’s Champions League final to “industrial-scale” ticket fraud, even as a fierce row over policing continues. Ministers acknowledged the challenges of managing the massive crowds at the Stade de France in Paris, but insisted that organised fraud was the primary cause of the problems.

Liverpool fans were seen trapped in long queues, with French police deploying pepper spray as frustration escalated. The final, which saw Liverpool lose 1-0 to Real Madrid, was delayed by 35 minutes due to the disturbances.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin claimed that “massive, industrial-scale” ticket fraud had prompted large numbers of Liverpool fans to turn up, noting that more than half of the roughly 30 arrests made at the stadium involved British citizens. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra said there were no comparable issues among Real Madrid supporters, who had been better organised during their arrival.

Darmanin defended police actions, stating that the measures taken helped prevent deaths or serious injuries. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the scenes as “deeply upsetting and concerning” and called for a full investigation into the events.

UEFA had initially blamed the chaos on the “late arrival” of fans. However, Merseyside Police, responsible for Liverpool fans, stated that most supporters arrived on time and behaved in an “exemplary manner.” Footage from the match showed young men, not wearing Liverpool shirts, breaching the stadium gates and evading security, raising questions over crowd management.

Liverpool fans described the situation as chaotic and unsafe. Tom Whitehurst, who attended with his disabled son, said he had to shield him after they were sprayed by police. “The treatment of supporters by UEFA and the police was an absolute disgrace,” he said, adding that many fans with valid tickets, who had arrived hours early, were indiscriminately targeted by riot police.

As criticism grows from both sides of the Channel, French authorities are meeting with UEFA, the French Football Federation, and stadium officials to review security procedures and lessons from the event.