More than 1,700 Liverpool fans who sustained physical injuries or psychological trauma as a result of the turmoil during the Champions League final in Paris on May 28 have registered with law firms to file damage claims against Uefa.
People signing up for the possible group claims include several who reported suffering fractured ribs in crushes at the Stade de France before the Liverpool vs. Real Madrid match, as well as numerous more who reported symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
At the match, which was hosted by Uefa, the confederation of Europe’s national football associations, French police directed thousands of Liverpool supporters on a dangerous alternative route through a subway, leading to a narrow, bottleneck perimeter checkpoint where long lines created a risk of squeezing.
Many turnstiles at the stadium were then closed for extended hours, resulting in static lines and an increased risk of crushing, and individuals were also harmed by pepper spray and tear gas used by police. Uefa and French officials attributed the disorder and delay to Liverpool supporters.
Gerard Long, a partner at Binghams lawyers in Liverpool, reported that over 1,300 persons had registered their interest in a prospective claim, the majority of whom were suffering from psychological stress.
Long stated, “We represent persons who suffered bodily crushing injuries at the turnstiles as well as a large number of people who have suffered mentally; some feared for their lives.” “Clients have expressed anxiety, PTSD, nightmares, and a desire to never again visit a European football match or France.
“We argue that Uefa, as the event’s organizers, owed a duty of care to those who purchased expensive tickets, and they breached it.”
Jill Paterson, the attorney in charge of a potential class action lawsuit, stated that the national law firm Leigh Day had received inquiries from 400 Liverpool supporters who attended a game. She claimed that clients had suffered trauma and physical injury, including broken bones and bruising, as a result of the crushes at the turnstiles and from being struck with police batons and shields.
Paterson stated that people had provided “very terrible” tales of crushing, aggression, and discomfort, and had claimed panic attacks, anxiety, sleepless nights, flashbacks, and fears for their safety during future matches.
“Our clients have reported being crushed, gassed with tear gas, and in dread for their lives,” Paterson added. “Some are former victims of the Hillsborough tragedy.
Thousands of people spent their hard-earned cash on tickets and flew to an event that was supposed to be world-class. Their safety should have been ensured; they paid for a well-run event with all the required safety and security standards and resources.
There is no justification for the disorder and suffering that ensued. Since being contacted by a Liverpool supporter almost immediately after the incident, we have been investigating the matter and working with French attorneys to create a compelling case to secure compensation for the fans.
Long and Paterson stated that their respective firms were in the final stages of gathering and analyzing evidence and, in collaboration with French attorneys, were preparing to send a letter to Uefa explaining the allegations.
Liverpool announced last week that 8,500 fan testimonials were submitted to Uefa’s “independent evaluation” of the near-catastrophe. Billy Hogan, the chief executive of Liverpool, stated that the evidence of supporters’ “harrowing experiences” identified congestion, insufficient travel information, problems at the perimeter checkpoint and turnstiles, “excessive riot policing tactics”, a lack of communication, “the emotional impact of the incorrect reason for delayed kick-off,” and problems getting into the stadium.
Uefa has issued a genuine apology “to all the fans who had to endure or witness terrifying and unpleasant conditions that evening.” No football fan should be placed in such a predicament, and it must never happen again.”
