French police have arrested more than 170 people after chaotic scenes outside the Stade de France in Paris during the Champions League final. British fans, many of whom travelled without tickets or with forged documents, were praised by French authorities for their restraint amid heavy-handed policing.
The trouble began hours before kick-off, with thousands of Liverpool supporters locked outside the ground as kick-off was delayed by 36 minutes. French police fired tear gas at crowds, including families, as they tried to force their way inside. Video footage showed young children being caught in the gas clouds.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin initially blamed “industrial-scale ticket fraud” for the chaos, but later accepted that policing had been a “failure”. He said 174 people had been arrested and 100 others were being held for identity checks. Liverpool fans accused French police of using excessive force.
One fan said: “We were just waiting to get in. There was no aggression from us. They just started spraying gas.” Another described the scene as “like a war zone”. The UK government has demanded a full investigation into the “deeply disturbing” events.
The match itself, in which Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0, was overshadowed by the night’s turmoil. French officials said they would review security procedures for future events.
Amid the criticism, Darmanin praised British supporters for their behaviour. “These English fans, who were very numerous in Paris without tickets or with counterfeit tickets, behaved very well,” he said. “They were very calm. They were very friendly.”
The contrast between the fans’ conduct and the police response has reignited debate over the treatment of football supporters abroad. For British fans, many of whom spent hundreds of pounds on travel and accommodation, the night was a sobering reminder of how quickly events can turn sour.
As the dust settles, the focus now turns to what lessons will be learned. The French government has promised a full inquiry. British MPs say they will hold the French ambassador to account. For the thousands of Liverpool fans still making their way home, the memory of the night will be one of fear and frustration, rather than football.
