Andy Robertson slams UEFA for ‘shambles’ before Champions League final

'One of my mates got told it was a fake which I assure you it wasn't'

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has criticised UEFA and called them a 'shambles' following the chaotic scenes before the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Paris. Kick off was delayed by more than 30 minutes with reports suggesting that 'hundreds of fans' without tickets were attempting to gain entry to the Stade de France. French police used teargas on supporters and members of the media, with UEFA releasing a statement claiming that thousands of Liverpool fans had been caught out and tried using 'fake tickets' that didn't work at the turnstiles. Robertson has since revealed that a friend of his was denied entry into the ground after being told that his ticket is fake - despite it being genuine and coming from the club.

The 28-year-old 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."

https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1530821378441678853

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."

Reds release statement

Liverpool released a statement during the match, which read: "We are hugely disappointed at the stadium entry issues and breakdown of the security perimeter that Liverpool fans faced this evening at Stade de France.

"This is the greatest match in European football and supporters should not have to experience the scenes we have witnessed tonight. We have officially requested a formal investigation into the causes of these unacceptable issues."

French riot police were also accused of attacking Reds fans in a dedicated fan zone in the Place de la Nation, Paris. Heavily armed officers were filmed hitting people, which included a woman who seemed to be unprovoked. It was Madrid who triumphed on the pitch after securing a 1-0 victory over Jurgen Klopp's men, thanks to Vinicius Jr's 59th minute strike.

Related links:

• Merseyside police defend ‘exemplary’ Liverpool fans tear gassed by French police
• France Interior Minister blames Liverpool fans for Champions League final trouble
• UEFA blames fans with ‘fake tickets’ for delay to Champions League final