French Minister's Apology to Liverpool Fans Marks a New Chapter in Champions League Final Fallout

In a reflective interview, France's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has publicly apologized to Liverpool fans for his previous comments blaming them for the chaos at the 2022 Champions League final held at the Stade de France, acknowledging mismanagement and misjudgment in security arrangements.

Gérald Darmanin, the current Justice Minister of France, has publicly apologized for the first time concerning the disastrous security debacle during the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France, where Liverpool FC supporters were wrongfully vilified. During a candid interview, Darmanin admitted his initial claims attributing chaos to Liverpool fans were misguided and stemmed from his own preconceptions. He expressed regret over the scapegoating of fans whenever a crisis occurs, stating, “The scapegoat was easy to find, and I apologise now to Liverpool supporters. They were quite right to be hurt.”

During the final, a number of Liverpool fans faced severe security issues, including police using tear gas on supporters attempting to enter the stadium. Many fans also reported being attacked and robbed by local gangs. Reflecting on the night, Darmanin described it as “the biggest failure” of his career, acknowledging that the real issue was not with English supporters but rather with delinquents preying on them.

“The arrangements we prepared were ill-suited for the situation,” he remarked, stating that they had geared for confrontations with hooligans but were met instead with criminal activity targeting vulnerable attendees. Initial statements from Darmanin and police had incorrectly suggested that a surge in fake tickets among Liverpool fans was the root cause of the dangerous crowd dynamics—claims later disproven by an independent UEFA report.

In the interview, Darmanin also discussed broader issues of safety in France, stating that there was “no longer any safe place,” a statement that drew criticism from opposition politicians. Some expressed frustration over Darmanin’s long tenure in government and the ongoing issues with violence and public safety.

Despite the controversies, Darmanin hinted at his political ambitions, suggesting he might have plans for a potential presidential candidacy in 2027, which only adds to the complexities surrounding his current governance and public image at this tumultuous time in French politics. As debates continue over the aftermath of the Champions League chaos, the apology marks a significant yet sobering moment in acknowledging responsibility for historical mistakes.