In a significant turn of events, Gérald Darmanin, France’s Justice Minister and former Interior Minister, has issued a heartfelt apology to Liverpool football supporters for the chaos that unfolded during the Champions League final at the Stade de France in 2022. This is the first time an official has publicly accepted blame for the fiasco, which left fans facing unfair accusations of inciting a riot.
The ill-fated match, pitting Liverpool against Real Madrid, was marred by severe security lapses. Darmanin admitted that his initial comments blaming English fans for the tumult were misguided and a result of preconceived notions. “It was a failure because I had not foreseen. That was a mistake on my part. I was led astray by my preconceptions,” he stated candidly.
During the final, Liverpool supporters faced distressing situations, including police using tear gas to manage crowds and reports of fans being robbed by local gangs. Darmanin recognized that the real issue that night stemmed from criminal elements rather than the fans themselves. "We expected a war of hooligans, and what we got instead was muggers," he remarked, reflecting on the grievous errors in security planning.
The fallout from the 2022 match saw a swift condemnation of Liverpool fans, with initial claims suggesting that they were responsible for the overcrowding and incidents due to fake tickets. However, these assertions were later debunked by a UEFA-commissioned independent report.
In light of recent comments acknowledging a general rise in violence across France, opponents have criticized Darmanin for his failure to effectively manage public safety during his government tenure. Critics are questioning his leadership as well as his potential ambitions for the presidential race in 2027, with Darmanin himself noting, "Do I think of the presidential election? The answer is yes."
This moment serves as a reflection of not only the mismanagement at a major sporting event but also highlights the broader challenges facing French society and public safety. The apology resonates with Liverpool fans who were affected by the traumatic events that night, fostering a glimmer of hope for accountability and justice.
