In a recent interview, France's justice minister Gérald Darmanin publicly apologized to Liverpool fans for the wrongful accusations following chaos at the 2022 Champions League final. He acknowledged failures in security planning and expressed regret for preconceptions leading to misdirected blame.
Apology from French Minister Acknowledges Mistakes in Liverpool Fans’ Champions League Chaos

Apology from French Minister Acknowledges Mistakes in Liverpool Fans’ Champions League Chaos
Gérald Darmanin admits to initial blame on Liverpool supporters over security mishaps during the 2022 Champions League final and offers a public apology.
In a significant turn of events, France's former interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, extended an apology to Liverpool football fans for misplacing blame during the chaotic scenes of the 2022 Champions League final. This incident took place at the Stade de France, where security arrangements fell short and fans were subjected to tear gas and muggings.
Darmanin, now the justice minister, openly admitted the errors underlying the initial security measures, saying, "It was a failure because I had not foreseen. That was a mistake on my part. I was led astray by my preconceptions." He acknowledged the scapegoating of Liverpool supporters, stating that they were right to feel hurt by the accusations, labeling it a substantive error and failure on his part.
During the event, police were quick to use tear gas against Liverpool fans who were trying to enter the stadium, leading to significant backlash and emboldening criminal acts in the vicinity. In his remarks, Darmanin described that night as the "biggest failure" of his career, attributing the chaos not to English supporters but rather to criminal elements that targeted fans.
"Our security arrangements were not designed for that eventuality," he admitted, further emphasizing the inadequacy of their preparations—anticipating a conflict between rival football hooligans instead of addressing the real threat posed by muggers. This acknowledgment comes after previous statements made by Darmanin and police leadership attempted to deflect blame onto Liverpool fans, citing issues with fake tickets. These claims have since been debunked by an independent UEFA-commissioned report.
In a candid reflection on broader safety concerns, Darmanin remarked that violence in France has become widespread, a statement that drew criticism from hard-right opposition members. National Rally MP Jean-Philippe Tanguy called into question Darmanin’s credibility, given his long-standing tenure within the government since President Emmanuel Macron's election in 2017.
In an intriguing note, Darmanin hinted at future political ambitions, contemplating a bid for the presidential race in 2027. "Do I think of the presidential election? The answer is yes," he confirmed, indicating aspirations to oversee improvements in national governance.
As the repercussions of the unfortunate events continue to echo, the apology serves to highlight the need for comprehensive reviews and reforms within event security and management systems to ensure the safety and dignity of supporters in future competitions.