Liverpool's chief executive says the club has received more than 5,000 accounts from its supporters in 24 hours detailing their experiences of the chaotic scenes before Saturday’s Champions League final in Paris.
Billy Hogan said Liverpool's request for information from fans who travelled to France for the match against Real Madrid had been “astounding”.
Liverpool fans were tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed by police as they waited in huge queues prior to the game, with the access problems leading to a kick-off delay of 36 minutes.
European football's governing body Uefa initially blamed the late arrival of fans for the problems, which included some supporters being crushed, before later issuing a statement referring to fans trying to enter the stadium with fake tickets as the cause.
French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera reiterated the latter claims on Monday, while French interior minister Gerald Darmanin alleged “fraud at an industrial level” leading to the fiasco. She added that the problem was exacerbated later by local youths trying to force their way in to the game.
This version of events has been challenged by numerous fans and other independent eye-witnesses, including The National and other media outlets.
Liverpool chief Hogan on Monday was incredulous that at the ministers' comments and accused French authorities of trying to “deflect responsibility” for the chaotic scenes.
On Tuesday Hogan called on Uefa to include the testimony from Liverpool fans submitted to the Merseyside club’s website in the European governing body’s independent review.
“The form has been on our website for just over 24 hours and we have had over 5,000 forms completed and submitted, which is really astounding,” Hogan told Liverpool’s official club website.
“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to submit their experiences.
“I’m horrified by the way some men, women, children – some able-bodied, some less able-bodied – have been indiscriminately treated over the course of Saturday.
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Thousands of Liverpool supporters in a fan zone in Paris, ahead of the Champions League Final at the Stade de France against Real Madrid. PA -
Sir Kenny Dalglish greets Liverpool supporters in a fan zone in Paris. PA -
Liverpool supporters in a fan zone in Paris, ahead of the Champions League final at the Stade de France. PA -
Liverpool supporters in a fan zone in Paris. PA -
Liverpool supporters in a fan zone in Paris. PA -
Liverpool fans in Place de la Nation, Paris, ahead of the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. PA -
A Liverpool fan wears a mask of manager Jurgen Klopp in front of the Eiffel Tower. Reuters -
Liverpool fans in Place de la Nation, Paris. PA -
A Liverpool fan, wearing a red beret. Getty -
A Liverpool fan gets on the metro ahead of the Champions League Final at the Stade de France, Paris. PA -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Reuters -
A group of Liverpool fans pose for a photograph in front of the Eiffel Tower. Getty -
A group of Real Madrid fans pose for a photograph in front of the Eiffel Tower. Getty -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Reuters -
A Real Madrid fan cycles through Paris prior to the Champions League final. Getty -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Reuters -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Reuters -
Liverpool fans in Place de la Nation, Paris. PA -
Liverpool fans in Place de la Nation, Paris. PA -
Liverpool fans in Place de la Nation, Paris. PA -
Liverpool fans in Place de la Nation, Paris. PA -
A young Liverpool fan, wearing a Kenny Dalglish shirt, takes in the pre-match atmosphere. Getty -
Real Madrid fans hold up a banner at the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris. PA -
A Liverpool fan poses for a photograph in front of the Eiffel Tower. Getty -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Reuters -
Real Madrid fans gather in a fan zone at the Paris City Hall. EPA -
Liverpool's supporters gather in a fan zone at the Paris City Hall. EPA -
Real Madrid's fans cheer for their team in Paris. EPA -
Liverpool and Real Madrid's fans play football near the Eiffel Tower. EPA -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Reuters -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Reuters -
A Liverpool fan poses with the Champions League trophy at the Trophy Experience held at the Hotel de Ville. PA -
Liverpool fans gather at the Hotel de Ville. PA -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. PA -
Liverpool fans in Paris ahead of the Champions League final at the Stade de France. PA -
Fans gather in Paris for Liverpool v Real Madrid. Reuters -
A Liverpool fan wears a Jurgen Klopp mask in Paris. Reuters -
A Liverpool fan is pictured in front of the Eiffel Tower. Reuters -
Liverpool fans outside the Gare du Nord. PA
“I think the volume of completed forms in the last 24 hours really demonstrates how fans want to support the investigation process and, importantly, gather real evidence of what happened both prior to and post kick-off.
“I do think it’s important to recognise we’ve all been rightly focused on the access issues at Stade de France; I think it’s also important we don’t lose sight of what happened after the match.
“I think we’ve all seen videos, photos, I’ve read a number of stories of absolutely horrific experiences leaving the stadium as well – crimes being committed, muggings taking place.
“Nobody should experience what our fans experienced both before or after the match.
“In our minds, obviously this is wholly unacceptable, which is why it’s important we create this body of experiences, which clearly must be included in the independent investigation.”
Liverpool lost Saturday’s final 1-0 but the match was overshadowed by the off-field events.
Hogan added the club are attempting to make contact with any supporters injured in Saturday’s distressing scenes, to offer assistance.
Liverpool 2021/22 season ratings
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MANAGER: Jurgen Klopp – 9. A year ago the manager looked a broken man. Personal and professional problems made 2020/21 a difficult campaign. Last season he recovered his bounce and his deployment of the squad while competing on four fronts was superb. The added bonus for the Kop is he has extended his contract until 2026. A triumph of a year, even if the two biggest trophies got away from him. Getty Images -
GOALKEEPERS: Alisson Becker – 9. The Brazilian is among the best in the world at his position. His shotstopping is magnificent – especially one-on-one – and his distribution is excellent. He managed the defence with aplomb, too, directing those in front of him. A key component in the team. EPA -
Caoimhin Kelleher ¬– 7. The Irishman did not get much playing time but he made the most of it when he did. His biggest moment came in the League Cup final against Chelsea when he made two crucial saves and scored a penalty in the shoot-out. The most reliable of backups. PA -
DEFENDERS: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8. The 23-year-old was again the creative hub of the team. His forward play and his crossing are vital to the way the side plays. Sure, he had some tricky moments defensively when opponents managed to exploit the space behind him, but it was a risk worth taking. He oozed class. Getty Images -
Joe Gomez – 6. The 25-year-old dropped down the pecking order at centre-half after returning from long-term injury. On the plus side, he was impressive when filling in at right-back. He has done well enough to likely earn a contract extension. Reuters -
Joel Matip – 8. One of the big question marks over the 30-year-old had been his robustness. Injuries were not a factor last season. His use of space, quickness and his ability to bring the ball out from the back were outstanding. It bodes well for the future. Reuters -
Ibrahima Konate – 7. The Frenchman is a work in progress but he made significant advances in the season. He is sometimes skittish on the ball but improved with every outing – his best game was the Champions League final. His physicality is impressive and he was a threat in the opposition box. At just 23 he has massive room for improvement. PA -
Virgil van Dijk – 8. It took a while for the Dutchman to return to his imperious best after returning from a cruciate ligament injury. He regained his stature as the season progressed. His commanding presence was vital to the team’s success. PA -
Andrew Robertson – 8. The Scot’s boundless energy and his will to win were evident in every game he played. His crossing added a huge amount of threat to the Liverpool attack. He was one of the major figures in the side. AP Photo -
Kostas Tsimikas – 7. They love the Greek at Anfield and every time he appeared in place of Robertson the crowd loved his approach. There was very little drop-off on the left side when the 26-year-old was involved. Reuters -
MIDFIELDERS: Jordan Henderson – 7. The captain’s workrate and willingness to subvert his own game to help his teammates remained impressive. He might have slowed down a little at 31 but his experience more than made up for any reduction in pace. His leadership showed throughout the campaign. EPA -
Fabinho – 8. The Brazilian is the man who seizes control of the midfield. His contribution was enormous and he supplied the platform from which the team could play. The defence were frequently grateful for his protective tackling. AP Photo -
Thiago Alcantara – 9. At the beginning of the season some were still asking whether the 31-year-old was the right fit for Liverpool. Those questions have long been put to bed. His passing was often wonderful; his pressing remarkably effective. A standout campaign. EPA -
Naby Keita – 6. The Guinean had moments when he looked brilliant and other games where he needed to offer more. He did not produce the consistency that the team needed over the season but a good finish to the campaign earned him a positive rating. EPA -
James Milner – 7. The 36-year-old did everything asked of him. Much of that meant coming off the bench to help see games to their conclusion but the veteran put everything into every performance. Mr Reliable. AFP -
Curtis Jones – 6. The 21-year-old didn’t develop quite as quickly as he might have hoped but that was due to an eye injury and the strength of the squad. He showed enough quality to be optimistic for the future. EPA -
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 4. It was not a good season for the 28-year-old. His opportunities were limited and when the chances to play came along he rarely shone. With so many impressive performers, he found himself at the back of the queue and a summer exit seems inevitable. AP Photo -
FORWARDS: Mohamed Salah – 9. The Egyptian remained the best attacker in the Premier League and perhaps the world. Even after taking a month off to play in the Africa Cup of Nations, he won the Golden Boot with 23 league goals. Defences were visibly unnerved by his presence. EPA -
Roberto Firmino – 7. The Brazilian dropped down the pecking order but that was because of the abundance of attacking quality rather than his own failings. He was sometimes overshadowed by his teammates but his clever movement and touches frequently improved the side. AP Photo -
Sadio Mane – 8. The Senegalese menaced defences. At times his competitive instincts meant he came close to overstepping the mark but he mainly stayed on the right side of the line. He will be sorely missed when he leaves Anfield this summer. Reuters -
Diogo Jota – 7. The Portuguese maintained his fine form throughout the campaign. His direct running at defenders and his poacher’s instinct in the area proved effective. EPA -
Luis Diaz – 8. The Colombian has been sensational since arriving from Porto in January. He slotted into the attack as if he had been at Anfield for years. A brilliant buy for the club. AFP -
Divock Origi – 6. The Belgian departs Merseyside in a wave of affection. He was never a natural fit for the side’s style but he gave the team a different look and scored vital goals. The striker showed total commitment every time he played. PA -
Takumi Minamino – 6. The Japanese spent most of his time on the bench. He was top scorer in both domestic cup campaigns and never lacked for effort. A move is likely in the summer and he should thrive elsewhere with more playing time. Reuters -
Harvey Elliott – 6. The 19-year-old started the season expecting to contribute regularly but a serious ankle injury in September slowed his progress. By the time he came back in February, the dynamics of the team had changed and there were fewer chances for the youngster. There will be plenty of time for him to blossom. EPA
