Liverpool's Metro Mayor along with an MP and fan groups have hit out at the "shambolic" leak of a long-awaited UEFA report into the Champion's League Final.
UEFA set up a panel of experts last summer to investigate the poor treatment of thousands of Liverpool fans who travelled to the Champions League Final against Real Madrid on May 28, 2022. Fans outside the Stade de France were tear-gassed by riot police, crushed when trying to enter the stadium, and mugged by armed gangs of locals.
The group has now finalised it conclusions, with the 158-page report being leaked to a number of media organisations, not including The ECHO, before it was finally released this evening (February 13). Steve Rotheram, Liverpool's Metro Mayor, said the way the report was leaked to the press was "shambolic".
READ MORE: Damning UEFA report says it was 'remarkable no lives were lost'
The independent report heavily criticises French police for firing tear gas and pepper spray indiscriminately, and for deflecting responsibility, particularly after false claims about a mass of fans without tickets or fake ones.
Police are also blamed for not being proactive in intervening when locals - who tried to climb fences and jump turnstiles - attacked fans. The report also says the police and the French Football Federation (FFF) "bear responsibility" because of their roles ensuring public safety.
The report finds the failings "almost led to a disaster" and that it was 'remarkable no lives were lost' after faults by European football's governing body, UEFA, and the lack of a venue risk assessment by French authorities.
Chair of Spirit of Shankley, Joe Blott, spoke of how "disappointing, annoying and frustrating" the document being leaked is to fans who have been waiting for months to hear the outcome.
He told The ECHO: "Clearly it is incredibly disappointing, frustrating and annoying that a leak such as this has been given to the press rather than the fans who have been eagerly waiting for this for months. We look forward to seeing the report, but hearing about if third, fourth of sixth hand from social media is disappointing."
Ian Byrne said: "It's really disappointing that something of this magnitude was given to journalists before the fans. It's a shame and extremely disappointing that it has happened."
Ted Morris, chairman of the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association, said: "Unfortunately we can't comment on a document that we haven't seen. We are extremely disappointed that a report of this magnitude was leaked to the press."
Liverpool FC said they are "hugely" disappointed the report was leaked in this way.
A spokesperson from Liverpool FC said: "It’s hugely disappointing that a report of such significance, such importance to football supporters’ lives and future safety, should be leaked and published in this way. It’s been over eight months of work by the independent panel and it is only right and proper to publish the contents of the report to our supporters appropriately.
"We will await to receive a copy of the report and digest it thoroughly before making any further comment."
READ NEXT
Partners in crime: The Merseyside couples who were in court together
'My heart is breaking': Tributes to Brianna Ghey posted to teen's TikTok
Two 15-year-olds arrested over Brianna Ghey murder
I stayed in Liverpool's new Radisson RED hotel and 'the interiors were stunning'
