Real Madrid ask for answers into ‘unfortunate events’

[FILE] Real Madrid fans gather at Cibeles square to celebrate their team’s 14th European Cup on May 29, 2022, in Madrid, a day after beating Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final in Paris. – Real Madrid claimed a 14th European Cup as Vinicius Junior’s goal saw them beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final at the Stade de France amid chaotic scenes yesterday. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)

Real Madrid have asked for answers into the “series of unfortunate events” at the Champions League final against Liverpool in Paris on 28 May.

They also want to know why the Stade de France was chosen for the game and who is “responsible for leaving the fans abandoned and defenceless”.

“Football has transmitted an image to the world which is far away from the values and goals which it should pursue,” said a Real Madrid statement. The Spanish side won the final 1-0.

However, the match was delayed by more than half an hour and Liverpool fans have described heavy-handed policing, organisational chaos and overcrowding at the showpiece game, which was moved to the Stade de France from St Petersburg following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan called the comments by France’s interior minister Gerald Darmanin blaming English fans as “disgraceful” and that, having spoken to his Real Madrid counterpart, the Spanish club’s supporters also had issues.

In their statement, Real Madrid cited “unfortunate events” which took place “in the surroundings of and at access points to the Stade de France, and even inside the stadium itself” and that their fans “were victim to said events”.

They added: “We would like to know the reasons which led to this venue being chosen to host the final and the criteria used, taking