UK Government urges UEFA to launch ‘formal investigation’ into Champions League final chaos

'I urge UEFA to launch a formal investigation into what went wrong and why'

The UK Government has backed Liverpool's calls for UEFA to launch a "formal investigation" into the chaos which occured before Saturday's Champions League final. Liverpool supporters were teargassed and denied entry into the Stade de France for the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid - with kick-off being delayed three times for more than 30 minutes. Fans were stranded in long queues and were forcibly denied entry, despite having legitimate tickets. Later in the night, fans of Jurgen Klopp's side appeared to be attacked by riot police in a fan zone in Paris.

Government call for formal investigation

The Reds released a statement during the match, calling for an investigation into the incidents in the French capital. Now, the club have been backed by Downing Street. https://twitter.com/martynziegler/status/1530924398261194752 UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries declared: "The footage and accounts from Liverpool fans and the media on their entry to the Stade de France last night are deeply concerning. Thousands of ticket holders travelled to Paris in good time to support their team in the biggest match of their season. "I urge UEFA to launch a formal investigation into what went wrong and why, in coordination with stadium staff, the French Police, Federation Française de Football, Merseyside Police and Liverpool Football Club. It is in the interests of everyone involved to understand what happened and to learn lessons from these events."

Merseyside Police state Reds fans behaved 'exemplary'

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston also tweeted about the distressing scenes, adding: "We are very concerned about the upsetting scenes around the Stade de France last night and shall be working with the appropriate authorities to find out what happened and why." https://twitter.com/HuddlestonNigel/status/1530931539093102592 Merseyside Police - who had officers deployed in Paris - insisted that the majority of supporters had behaved in an "exemplary" manner and arrived at the ground in plenty of time. Related links:

• Merseyside police defend ‘exemplary’ Liverpool fans tear gassed by French police
• France Interior Minister blames Liverpool fans for Champions League final trouble
• Liverpool fans appear to be attacked by riot police in Champions League fan zone