Champions League final kick-off delayed after Liverpool fans struggle to get into stadium

The Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid was delayed by over 30 minutes after fans struggled to get into the stadium for kick-off amid chaotic scenes and reports of tear gas being used on supporters at the Stade de France.

Liverpool fans were held at security check-points in the hours before the final and there were large pockets of empty seats in the Liverpool end before the original 8:00pm kick-off time.

There were also reports of riot police being called outside the Stade de France and videos on social media showed stadium security using tear gas and pepper spray on Liverpool fans. The Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby lan Byrne tweeted: “I’ve just endured one of the worst experiences in my life.

“Horrendous security and organisation putting lives at risk. Shambolic and I pray no fans have been injured because of the disgraceful lack of organisation and expertise.”

The final was initially delayed by 15 minutes before it was pushed back by a further 15 minutes. Uefa said the decision had been made due to the “late arrival of fans at the stadium”. The governing body also said it was due to “security reasons”.

However, some supporters who arrived even three hours before kick-off had still been unable to get in on time. The broadcaster Kelly Cates - the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish - tweeted one hour before kick-off: “Absolutely shambolic at the Stade de France.

Pepper spraying fans outside stadium in Paris pic.twitter.com/drgzEpR9gD

“No way in, no way of knowing which way to go. Stay safe if you’re heading in. It has the potential to be very dangerous.”

Former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted from the stadium: “Finding it impossible to get in the ground. This appears to be