MY ACCOUNT
Andrew Robertson says the organisation of the Champions League final was a “shambles” after there were chaotic scenes outside the Stade de France on Saturday.
The kick-off for the showdown in Paris was delayed by over half an hour, with UEFA putting the delay down to turnstiles being blocked at the Liverpool end of the stadium by thousands of fans who had purchased fake tickets.
A message on the big screen inside the ground had claimed the game was unable to start on time due to “the late arrival of fans”.
Police used tear gas to try and disperse the crowds outside the stadium before a final that ended in a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid courtesy of Vinicius Junior’s second-half goal.
Liverpool defender Robertson says the scenes prior to kick-off were not acceptable.
He told BBC Sport: “One of my mates got told it was a fake which I assure you it wasn’t. It was a shambles really.”
UEFA vowed to further review the matters with French police and authorities and the French Football Federation.
Robertson added: “To be honest people were just making it up at times and panicking. Tear gas getting thrown at people was unacceptable.
“It was horrendous for our fans and all families that have been through it as well. It wasn’t a nice experience, not a nice final to come to. The Champions League should be a celebration but it wasn’t that.
“Obviously the final wasn’t meant to be here and whether the preparations were not as good as maybe they should have been but I am sure in the coming days an inquest will go into that.”
