Real Madrid demand explanation over Champions League final chaos

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Real Madrid on Friday demanded from organizers answers for the chaos during last week's Champions League final against Liverpool in Paris.

The May 28 match, which the Spanish side won 1-0, was delayed by more than 30 minutes as security teams held back people trying to enter the Stade de France.

The metal gates were jammed due to fake tickets, and several supporters broke through the security cordons to enter the stadium, spurring police to fire tear gas.

"We would like to know the reasons which led to this venue being chosen to host the final and the criteria used, taking into account the experiences of the day," Read Madrid said in a statement.

"Furthermore, we call for answers and explanations in order to determine those responsible for leaving the fans abandoned and defenceless."

The statement said that "several fans were attacked, harassed, assaulted and robbed in violent fashion," and some of them "even had to spend the night in hospital as a result of injuries."

"Our fans and supporters deserve a response and those responsible to be held accountable in order for events like these to be eradicated from football and sport in general," the club said.

While France has shifted the blame on Liverpool supporters for arriving at the stadium with counterfeit tickets, the UK has called for a formal probe into the fan turmoil.

Meanwhile, European football governing body UEFA has commissioned an independent report into the events.