Fans were assaulted and mugged: Real Madrid demand answers over poor organisation in Champions League final
India Today
The Champions League final turned out to be a nightmare for the travelling fans who got harassed by the authorities while trying to enter the stadium to watch the final of the Champions League.
Champions League winner Real Madrid have demanded answers from the organisers of the final this season, where fans had a nightmarish experience while trying to be a part of the epic clash between Madrid and Premier League club Liverpool.
The final of the tournament started 37 minutes past the scheduled kickoff time after many travelling fans got stuck outside the stadium despite reaching the stadium three hours ahead of kickoff. According to several media reports, fans were pepper-sprayed and tear-gassed by the French police. Once mayhem broke out in the stadium, UEFA were forced to delay the final twice as stands designated for Liverpool fans remained largely empty in the 81,000-capacity strong Stade de France.
At the time the events were unfolding, UEFA had blamed the commotion on the fans themselves and tried to wash their hands off any wrongdoing.
However, the social media were not convinced and UEFA were put under massive pressure, first by journalists on the ground and then by the players themselves, who came out and criticised the whole situation.
The Champions League winners put out a statement on Friday, 3 June stating that they demanded answers from the organisers over what exactly had happened.
"We want to know what were the reasons that motivated that designation of the venue for the final and what criteria were taken into consideration, taking into account what was experienced that day," the LaLiga club said in a statement.
"We also ask for answers and explanations to determine who were those responsible for leaving the fans unattended and defenseless. Supporters whose general behaviour was exemplary at all times,” the release further added.
