The Lingering Shadows of May 2022
The anticipation surrounding Liverpool’s return to Paris for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain is tinged with a sense of dread for many supporters. It has been less than three years since the traumatic events of the 2022 Champions League final, which unfolded at the Stade de France on May 28, 2022. The match against Real Madrid, which Liverpool ultimately lost 1-0, was overshadowed by a 37-minute delay as thousands of fans struggled to access the stadium, having been funneled into overcrowded bottlenecks. The scenes were reminiscent of a nightmare, with police firing tear gas at fans trapped behind metal fences on the perimeter of the stadium. The chaos and confusion of that night left deep scars on the hearts and minds of Liverpool supporters, scars that are far from healed.
The Aftermath: A Storm of False Accusations
The night itself was harrowing enough, but the weeks and months that followed only added to the trauma. In the immediate aftermath, European football’s governing body UEFA and the French authorities tried to shift the blame onto the supporters, claiming that fans had arrived late and that there was an "industrial scale fraud" of fake tickets. These accusations were met with widespread skepticism and anger from the Liverpool fanbase, who had been waiting outside the stadium for hours. A French Senate enquiry later concluded that the chaos was the result of poorly-executed security arrangements. An independent report found that UEFA bore "primary responsibility" for the failures that almost led to a "mass fatality catastrophe." The report also noted that it was "remarkable" that no one was killed on the night of the final. For many Liverpool fans, the events of that night brought back painful memories of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 supporters lost their lives.
A Reluctant Return to Paris
For many Liverpool fans, the decision to return to Paris is a difficult one. John Gibbons, of the fan media outlet The Anfield Wrap, highlighted the psychological impact of the events and the lack of accountability from the authorities. "It’s too soon for a lot of people," he said. "It wasn’t just what happened on the day. Lots happened afterwards. Most notably, the government not taking much responsibility for what happened." The psychological trauma of the experience, coupled with the lack of accountability, has left many Liverpool fans wary of returning to a place where they suffered such a traumatic experience. The fear of it happening again is a real concern, and many fans are choosing to stay away rather than risk another night of chaos and mistreatment.
Resentment and Double Standards
The events of May 28, 2022, have left a lasting impact on the relationship between football fans and the authorities. Liverpool fan and journalist Daniel Austin noted the double standards often faced by football fans. "Thankfully, the Olympics went off largely without incident, and that’s great. But I think it was quite clear that people were treated differently for that, because it was the biggest event in the world." The peaceful passage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has not entirely erased the resentment felt by those who were mistreated and falsely accused in 2022. Austin is one of those who is making the journey to Paris, seeing it as a way to show resilience and defiance against the lies spread in the aftermath of the 2022 final. However, he understands the perspective of those who are staying away. "It wasn’t just the physical and mental difficulty of the night, it was the fact that they were then lied about in what was quite a concerted campaign by the authorities for weeks and months," he added.
A Test of Trust and Accountability
For those who are making the journey, the return to Paris is a test of trust and the authorities’ ability to ensure the safety and dignity of supporters. Many fans are wary of the French police, who were responsible for the misconduct on the night of the final. The fact that many of the individuals involved remain in the same positions adds to the skepticism. "They don’t want to come across those same authorities again. They don’t trust the people who were responsible for that, a lot of whom remain in exactly the same positions, to look after them as visitors this time," Austin explained. The lack of accountability and the continued presence of those responsible for the 2022 chaos make it difficult for many fans to trust that their safety and well-being will be prioritized.
Moving Forward with Caution
As Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to face off, the focus will inevitably be on the football. However, for many Liverpool fans, the match will be a bittersweet return to a city that holds painful memories. The club and its supporters have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, but the events of May 28, 2022, will not be forgotten easily. The return to Paris is a complex and emotional journey, one that highlights the need for improved security and better treatment of football fans by authorities. For those who do attend, it will be a testament to their strength and determination. For those who stay away, it will be a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability.
