Gary Linker slammed UEFA after they blamed fans for the delaying of the Champions League final. Real Madrid's clash with Liverpool in Paris was scheduled to get underway at 8pm, but the kick-off was twice pushed back by 15 minutes. The game eventually started shortly after 8:30pm. UEFA - the governing body of European football - stated the delay was due to "the late arrival of fans".
However, it has emerged that Liverpool supporters outside the Stade de France have been tear gassed, with thousands of fans claiming they have been stuck outside the Paris venue for several hours. On Twitter, Lineker wrote: "Finding it impossible to get in the ground. This appears to be very dangerous. Absolute carnage."
The former striker went on to add: "I’m not sure it’s possible to have a more poorly organised event if you tried. Absolutely shambolic and dangerous. @UEFAcom. They’ve just announced another 15 minute delay 'because of the late arrival of fans'. Utter bull****."
Footage circulating on social media appears to show police using pepper spray on a large number of fans who were attempting to make their way in to the stadium. Reporters in Paris have also confirmed that tear gas was used by local police.
Former Liverpool CEO Peter Moore tweeted: "Disgraceful scenes outside the stadium. 'Late arrival of fans' should read 'horrendous organization'. Fans have been here for hours. Stadium operations incapable of managing flow and access. Victim blaming at its very best…"
The contest eventually got underway at 8:37pm (UK time), with the vast majority of seats at Stade de France being occupied by the time the match started.
