A Liverpool FC fan claimed to be suffering from PTSD after he was caught in the crush outside the disastrous Champions League final.
Mattie Douglas, 33, said he broke his rib while climbing over the security barrier to escape the crush while entering the Stade de France. The lifelong LFC fan, who has been to five European finals around Europe, said he's been signed off work and is suffering from PTSD after the match.
Mr Douglas has now joined a legal claim against UEFA after Liverpool-based law firm Binghams Solicitors and global group litigation specialists PGMBM announced the litigation. Thousands of Liverpool fans who faced the frightening scenes outside the stadium could now receive compensation after the chaos sparked international political debate.
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The weeks following the events saw fans document their experiences which included being crushed while entering the stadium, tear-gassed by police, and robbed and assaulted by gangs of local thugs. Senior figures in the French government including interior minister Gérald Darmanin tried to blame LFC fans for the issues by peddling false narratives about fake match tickets.
A recent French senate report completely exonerated fans of any blame and instead focused on a number of organisational failures from the authorities. Binghams Solicitors and PGMBM are now investigating legal action against UEFA on behalf of fans who were harmed physically and psychology and are considering claims related to breach of contract and negligence.
Mr Douglas said he was "seriously worried for his safety" while trying to enter the stadium. He said: "Things were getting tense, there were kids around us crying. I was next to a waist-high security divide which was about to fall over with the waves of pressure.
"Eventually I had to climb it rather than fall over it, but I still got injured. I broke my rib and have since been signed off work with it. Once we entered the ground it got no better. We were hit with the aftermath of tear gas and our eyes were stinging.
"I have suffered what can only be described as PTSD for weeks. I have avoided crowds and I don't think I'm ready to attend a football match. I certainly will never go to Paris again.
"The worst thing is my son is a huge fan of the football and wants to come with me to Europe to follow Liverpool wherever they may play but I don't feel safe taking my son to a game. I've been to five European Cup finals around Europe, I'm an Anfield season ticket holder and I have been to probably 30 plus European away games to support Liverpool.
"This was the first time I feared for myself and the safety of my mates and fellow supporters."
The claim also has heard from an LFC fan in his 60s who previously had three heart stents fitted. The unnamed fan was tear-gassed along with two others and had to receive medical attention at the stadium. He has now taken the case to Binghams and PGMBM who recently secured a victory in the Court of Appeal over mining giants BHP.
Gerard Long, managing director of Liverpool law firm Binghams Solicitors, said: “As a life-long Liverpool fan, I was horrified when I saw how events unfolded at what should have been the highlight of the football season. Not only fellow fans, but friends, family and clients who were in attendance have spoken of the nightmare inducing scenes that surrounded the Stade de France before, during and after the game. We feel UEFA should be held accountable, with all fans who suffered the psychological scars of attending this match fairly compensated."
Tony Winterburn, the case’s lead solicitor at PGMBM, said: “ Liverpool fans travelled to Paris with the intention of watching their team feature in the biggest game in club football. Instead, they faced violent, ill treatment and frankly traumatic scenes. Some fans never even made it into the stadium, with the ‘lucky’ few that did spending 90 minutes anxious about how they would be able to leave safely and protect themselves (and their family/friends) on the journey home.
“This is simply not something anyone should have to contend with. After going to exorbitant expense of purchasing legitimate tickets, flights and hotels, Liverpool fans had the right to believe they would be safe in Paris and would be free to watch a game of football. UEFA owed a duty of care to the fans, and they failed in that duty. We would now encourage anyone affected by the incidents in Paris to register their details with us and come together in bringing a claim.”
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