UEFA commissions independent report into the mayhem at the Champions League final in Paris

UEFA has confirmed an independent and comprehensive review will be conducted into what occurred before Saturday’s Champions League final in Paris.

A statement from the European governing body read: ‘UEFA has today announced it has commissioned an independent report into the events surrounding the UEFA Champions League final in Paris on Saturday, May 28.

‘The comprehensive review will examine decision-making, responsibility and behaviours of all entities involved in the final.’

Kick-off at the Stade de France was delayed by 36 minutes as chaos reigned outside the ground, with thousands of Liverpool fans prevented from making it in.

UEFA and the French authorities blamed the delay on late arrivals and supporters who had ‘fake tickets’. 

However, those who had travelled to watch the Reds told of a very different story – long queues forming around three hours before kick-off and a heavy-handed police response.  

French police fired tear gas and pepper spray at Liverpool supporters outside the stadium

Mayhem outside the Stade de France saw fans with tickets having to wait in huge queues

French officers pepper-sprayed and tear-gassed some supporters and forced them into dangerous bottlenecks.  

The review into the mayhem will be carried out by Dr Tiago Brandao Rodrigues, a member of the Portuguese parliament and former member of the World Anti-Doping Agency Foundation Board. To maintain independence, he will undertake the report on a pro bono basis.

The UEFA statement added: ‘Evidence will be gathered from all relevant parties and the findings of the independent report will be made public once completed and, upon receipt of the findings, UEFA will evaluate the next steps.’