The Echoes of a Traumatic Past
In a revealing interview with Le Parisien, a number of Liverpool supporters have voiced their reluctance to travel to Paris for the upcoming Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain. The memories of the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France are still vivid and deeply painful for many fans. One supporter, still visibly shaken by the events, strongly advised against the trip: "After what I went through, I strongly urge people not to visit Paris. I was stuck at the turnstiles, then caught in the chaos of gang attacks and police crackdowns after the match. I had never seen anything like it." These experiences have left an indelible mark on the Liverpool fanbase, causing many to reconsider their plans to attend the match at the Parc des Princes.
Organisational Failures and Human Suffering
The organisational failures of that fateful night on May 28th, 2022, were catastrophic. Many Liverpool supporters recount being denied entry to the Stade de France by security forces, only to find themselves herded like cattle into the stadium by French CRS riot police. The treatment was dehumanizing and profoundly distressing. "It was terrifying," another supporter remembered, his voice tinged with lingering fear. "We weren’t treated like normal people." The chaos and violence outside the stadium following the match only added to the trauma, as fans were subjected to random attacks and heavy-handed policing. These events have cast a long shadow over the relationship between Liverpool supporters and Paris, making the prospect of revisiting the city a daunting one.
The UEFA Review: A Turning Point?
In February 2023, a comprehensive 151-page UEFA review brought much-needed clarity and accountability to the situation. The report, which took eight months to complete, unequivocally identified significant negligence by French public authorities. It highlighted the ways in which these authorities had failed to ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of British and Spanish supporters. The findings served as a stark reminder of the extent to which the events of that night were the result of systemic failures rather than isolated incidents of fan misbehavior. The report’s conclusions have provided a sense of validation for many Liverpool fans who felt deeply wronged by the treatment they received.
Fans’ Solidarity and Self-Discipline
Despite the challenging and hostile environment, Liverpool and Real Madrid fans demonstrated remarkable solidarity and self-discipline. The UEFA review commended their efforts to ensure their own safety, noting that they often outperformed the authorities who were tasked with protecting them. The fans’ ability to stay calm and support each other in the midst of chaos was a testament to their resilience and community spirit. However, this also underscored the glaring shortcomings of the security measures in place. The contrast between the fans’ behavior and the authorities’ actions is a poignant reminder of the辜负的信托 and the need for better protective measures in future events.
The Myth of Ticket Fraud Debunked
One of the most significant findings of the UEFA review was the debunking of the "massive and industrial ticket fraud" narrative propagated by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and other officials. The report clearly stated that the problem of counterfeit tickets had been exaggerated and that the relevant parties, including ministers, police headquarters, UEFA, and the FFF (French FA), had acted irresponsibly to deflect responsibility for their failures. This revelation has only deepened the fans’ mistrust and frustration with the French authorities and the governing bodies of football. The exoneration of fans from these false accusations is a crucial step in restoring their dignity and trust in the system.
Moving Forward with Caution
As Liverpool prepares to face PSG, the club and its supporters are navigating a complex emotional landscape. While the UEFA report has provided some closure, the scars left by the 2022 final remain fresh. For many fans, the decision to travel to Paris is not an easy one. They are weighing the excitement of a major European football match against the very real fears and memories of past trauma. The club and the UEFA have taken steps to improve safety and security measures, but the trust of the fanbase must be carefully rebuilt. Liverpool supporters are urging caution and solidarity, hoping that their experiences can inform better practices and prevent such tragedies from happening again.
