Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan has responded to recent reports that CCTV footage from the Stade de France before the Champions League final has been “deleted”.
Fans who were in Paris at the end of last month continue to speak out about their abhorrent treatment in the build up and aftermath of the final by French police, match organisers and local gangs. An enquiry into the chaos is continuing in the French Senate, where the Liverpool City Region Mayor today gave evidence of his own experience as a victim of crime in the French capital.
In the latest development, French outlet RMC has reported quotes from the French Football Federation (FFF) which state that all CCTV from outside the Stade de France on the day of the final - May 28 - has been deleted.
READ MORE: Paris police chief 'says sorry' after Champions League final disgrace
READ MORE: Outrage as French authorities say all CCTV from Stade de France final has been 'deleted'
Erwan Le Prevost is the director of international relations at the FFF, is quoted as saying: “The images are available for seven days. They are then automatically destroyed. We should have had a requisition to provide them to the different populations, the images are extremely violent."
Responding to those reports, Hogan says he and the club are "deeply concerned" at the reports of CCTV footage being deleted. The Liverpool CEO added that the club have contacted UEFA to verify the reports to confirm their authenticity.
“We're aware of a number of reports and, as you said, there's a number of reports coming out on a daily basis. It would be impossible for us to comment on all of them,” Hogan told Liverpoolfc.com .
“Our priority still has to remain focused on challenging the independent review, which – if we do it in the right structure and the right process, involving the right people – should uncover all the facts and identify things that went wrong so that lessons are learned and it's never repeated.
“Clearly, we saw the reports yesterday afternoon regarding the deletion of CCTV footage, which is deeply concerning. We have formally contacted UEFA to confirm whether or not that's the case, so we're waiting to hear back specifically on that.
“And we're also working to make sure, through the relevant authorities to put requests in, that all evidence related to events around the final are retained.
“So, clearly concerning, it's something that we're following up on and, as I keep saying, our priority really has to be to make sure that the independent review and investigation takes into account all the evidence. So that's why we've requested that any evidence related to the final is retained.”
Hogan was speaking in a lengthy Q&A on the club’s website, where he addressed several concerns following the events in Paris. One of those is the recent 30-page report published by the French Prime Minister.
The Liverpool CEO says he and the club are still looking over the report, adding that the Reds were not contacted or involved in the process.
“We've just picked up a copy of the report from the media reporting this afternoon,” said Hogan.
“I guess it's probably worth noting that we've not been involved in the report, nor been asked for any input. But we do have it now, so we're obviously going to take some time to fully digest it.
“I think as most people know, it's a 30-page report and probably I've said this a number of times during these updates, but we're really focused on ensuring that there's an evidence-based investigation, which is open and transparent.
“Obviously this is one report. We haven't been involved in it or had any opportunity to consider it or question it yet.
“There's a lot more work to go on in moving this forward. So, I can't really comment on the report specifically itself at this point.
“But what I would say is we do want to make sure – and I'll be picking this up with UEFA – to find out if these findings are going to be used in the UEFA independent review. So I guess in summary, we'll take the time to review it and then any of those findings we'll obviously raise with UEFA as part of their independent investigation.”
Hogan also provided an update on the letter Liverpool wrote to UEFA asking 13 questions about the events in Paris. The Reds chief says the governing body are in contact with the club, but some of the questions are yet to be answered.
“I think as you said at the start, things have been moving around quite a bit over the course of the last 10 days, almost two weeks now.
“Just to be clear, we sent the letter to UEFA prior to their announcement regarding the independent review. So some of the questions that we did pose to them were covered in the terms of reference, not all of them.
“But we're in the very early stages, I would say, in understanding the structure of that independent review.
“We did have a call with Dr Rodrigues yesterday, with UEFA and Real Madrid also on the call, and it was a very initial first call, so there's a number of outstanding details that we need to understand, and that's what ourselves and Real Madrid will be working on with UEFA and Dr Rodrigues in the days ahead.
“And again, I keep saying this, but we just need to be satisfied that this is going to be a thorough, independent and transparent investigation.
“And I would imagine that all of those questions that we have will have to be answered over the course of the coming days and weeks.”
Hogan went on to inform supporters who have been affected by the events in Paris on ways the club are there to support them.
“I think we talked about this last week and it was something we were and are very concerned about,” Hogan added.
“And we see our role as the opportunity to support supporters with whatever help and expert advice that they need.
“As I mentioned before, I've had a number of conversations over the course of the last 10 days and really just incredibly difficult conversations with people about their experiences.
“So, I know that my colleagues across the club feel the same, that everyone at the club is here to support our supporters and make sure that they know that the club is with you.
“So, we have been working through our foundation. We now have a number of expert mental health organisations which are able to offer urgent support to fans. We have pledged financial assistance to those organisations.
“Given COVID and everything else, a lot of these organisations are already in high demand, so we feel it's right and necessary that we support them and [are] absolutely encouraging fans to seek support if they feel they need it. Most importantly, I think it's just important that supporters know that that help is available.
“Also worth mentioning that we're in discussions with Liverpool's director of public health, Matt Ashton, who's already involved with the LFC Foundation, just to make sure that any help that we can provide to supporters is the right help.
“Again, we're doing everything we can do to continue to signpost to those organisations. So I think it is important for supporters to keep checking the website, keep checking our digital channels and we will keep updating the information with any and all helpful information.
“I guess [the] final point is just I think it's crucial that people continue to talk to friends, talk to family, talk to loved ones.
“Again, the conversations I've had with a number of different supporters, nobody should have to go through what we all went through in Paris and we're absolutely here to support you as a club and we want to make sure that people know that and that they know that there's support available.”
