Apology from French Minister Highlights Security Failures at 2022 Champions League Final

In an interview, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin offered a public apology to Liverpool fans for the chaos during the 2022 Champions League final, admitting that security arrangements fell short and shifted blame unfairly onto supporters. The admission marks a significant acknowledgment of the failures that marred the event and raises broader questions about safety measures and public order in France.

In a significant turn of events, Gérald Darmanin, France's Justice Minister and former Interior Minister, has publicly apologized to Liverpool football fans, acknowledging the mishandling of security measures during the turbulent 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France. For the first time, Darmanin expressed regret over initial accusations that unfairly blamed Liverpool supporters for the night’s disarray.

Reflecting on the incident, which involved tear gas use against fans and widespread muggings, Darmanin conceded, "It was a failure because I had not foreseen. That was a mistake on my part. I was led astray by my preconceptions," stating that he oversaw a misguided security approach. “The scapegoat was easy to find,” he added, recognizing the hurt caused to Liverpool supporters.

He described the night as "the biggest failure" of his career, emphasizing that the true source of chaos stemmed from criminal elements rather than the fans. "Our security arrangements were not designed for that eventuality," Darmanin noted, highlighting the inadequacy of having riot police in heavy gear instead of more agile officers to counteract muggings.

Darmanin's earlier comments, which suggested that Liverpool supporters had created the dangerous crush due to counterfeit tickets, were later contradicted by an independent report commissioned by UEFA, prompting reassessment of how the event was managed.

The minister also touched on broader concerns about safety in France, stating, "there is no longer any safe place," which provoked criticism from political opponents who accused him of mismanaging crime in the country. Despite this, Darmanin hinted at his political ambitions, contemplating his future potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election, though he refrained from any explicit pledges.

The fallout from the final continues to generate discussions about how fan safety is prioritized alongside the need for effective law enforcement, creating heightened anticipation for reforms in future sporting events.