French Minister Addresses Chaos at 2022 Champions League Final, Apologizes to Liverpool Fans

In a recent interview, Gérald Darmanin, former interior and currently justice minister of France, offered a public apology to Liverpool fans for the chaos at the 2022 Champions League final, acknowledging his initial misplacement of blame and the inadequacies in security measures intended to protect attendees.

In a significant shift from previous statements, Gérald Darmanin, France's justice minister, has publicly apologized to Liverpool football fans for the turmoil experienced during the 2022 Champions League final held at the Stade de France. The event, which pitted Liverpool against Real Madrid, was marred by accusations against Liverpool supporters, whom Darmanin has now admitted were wrongly blamed for the disturbances.

Reflecting on the incident, Darmanin stated, "It was a failure because I had not foreseen. That was a mistake on my part. I was led astray by my preconceptions." This admission marks the first time a French government official has accepted any responsibility for the chaotic scenes that unfolded, where police resorted to tear gas on fans, and several were victims of theft amidst the pandemonium.

In a candid conversation on the Legend YouTube channel, Darmanin described the night as "the biggest failure" of his career, noting that the real threat had not come from English football fans, but rather from groups of delinquents preying on them. “What I did not appreciate that evening was that the real problem was not coming from English supporters, but from delinquents who were robbing fans,” he explained.

Initially, both Darmanin and police chief Didier Lallement had attributed the severe crush at the stadium to Liverpool fans possessing counterfeit tickets. However, this account was disproven following an independent investigation by UEFA, which deflected responsibility back onto security measures and event management.

Darmanin acknowledged that the security strategies deployed that night were inadequate for the reality on the ground. "Our security arrangements were not designed for that eventuality," he reflected, suggesting that riot police were not suited for dealing with muggers and instead one needed officers equipped for rapid response.

In the broader context of public safety in France, Darmanin expressed concerns that "there is no longer any safe place," echoing sentiments of escalating violence and crime. His remarks ignited criticism from political opponents who were quick to point out the failures of his tenure in addressing the nation's safety issues.

While Darmanin's reflections have provoked a complex discussion about public safety and accountability, he seems to be positioning himself as a serious contender for France's political future, hinting at ambitions that could potentially lead to his candidacy in the 2027 presidential election. "Do I think of the presidential election? The answer is yes," he stated, leaving open the possibility of a future political role in leading the country to improved safety and governance.