Jordan Henderson demands action after UEFA blamed for near ‘mass fatality catastrophe’

On Feb 15, 2023

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has called for action after an independent report said UEFA bears primary responsibility for failures that almost led to a ‘mass fatality catastrophe’.

Liverpool fans were penned in against perimeter fences outside the Stade de France before their Champions League final against Real Madrid in Paris back in May, with many also tear-gassed by police.

A team led by Portuguese Dr Tiago Brandao Rodrigues was later commissioned to look into the events by UEFA, with the report published on Monday evening.

With Liverpool sharing the results on their website, their captain was quick to respond online – calling for a turning point in regards to the safety of supporters.

Henderson wrote on Twitter: “The Paris report needs to be a turning point for the treatment of football fans. No one should have their safety jeopardised by inadequate organisation. The sooner action is taken, the better.”

A thankful fan then replied: “Thank you Jordan, good to see your recognition of the importance of fan safety. Football without fans is nothing.”

Liverpool fans were stuck outside the stadium following UEFA failings
(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool fans were also accused by France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin of having fake tickets – who later apologised for his false claim.

The report, which was leaked in full before official publication, also said that Liverpool fans in fact saved lives having been cleared of any wrongdoing.

“The panel has concluded that UEFA, as event owner, bears primary responsibility for failures which almost led to disaster,” the report said.

Liverpool fans were tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed before being blamed for the chaos
(Image: Getty Images)

“The dangerous conditions on the concourse outside the turnstiles were compounded by the police deploying tear gas at disorderly groups of locals, as well as using pepper spray on supporters trying to gain entrance with valid tickets.

“It is remarkable that no one lost their life. All the stakeholders interviewed by the panel have agreed that this situation was a near-miss: a term used when an event almost turns into a mass fatality catastrophe.”

With Liverpool saying in response: “Liverpool FC welcomes the Report into the chaos at the UEFA Champions League final in Paris which fully vindicates Liverpool fans while finding UEFA primarily responsible for organisational failings, absence of overall control or oversight of safety and security, poor planning and lack of contingency plans.”