French Minister Takes Responsibility for 2022 Champions League Final Chaos

In a recent interview, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed regret over the mishandling of security during the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France, where Liverpool fans faced undue blame amidst chaotic circumstances.

France's former interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, has publicly apologized to Liverpool football fans for the chaos and violence that erupted during the 2022 Champions League final at Stade de France. His admission marks the first acknowledgment of responsibility from a French official regarding the mismanagement that led to significant distress and harm among the supporters.

In an interview on the Legend YouTube channel, Darmanin recognized that previous claims blaming English fans for the poor security measures were erroneous. “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, expressing regret that Liverpool supporters were made scapegoats for the situation that evening. He noted, “The scapegoat was easy to find, and I apologize now to Liverpool supporters. They were quite right to be hurt.”

On the night of the final, police used tear gas against Liverpool fans as they attempted to enter the stadium, while some were targeted by local gangs. Darmanin described the night as the biggest failure of his career, stating that the real threat came from muggers rather than fans. He lamented, “Our security arrangements were not designed for that eventuality. We had riot police… not great for running. What you need against that kind of delinquency is officers in running shoes.”

Initially, both Darmanin and Paris police chief Didier Lallement attributed the security collapse to Liverpool fans possessing fake tickets. However, their assertions were later discredited by an independent report commissioned by UEFA.

Additionally, Darmanin's comments in the interview about growing violence in France have sparked criticism from the political opposition, specifically from the right. National Rally MP Jean-Philippe Tanguy expressed skepticism towards Darmanin’s governance, underscoring the rising violence despite his lengthy tenure in government.

Amid discussions about his political future, Darmanin hinted at ambitions beyond his current role. “Do I think of the presidential election? The answer is yes," he remarked, alluding to potential aspirations for the presidency in 2027 while insisting that his focus remains on improving the current state of affairs in the country.