Liverpool football fans are still waiting for compensation from UEFA following the chaotic scenes prior to 2022 Champions League final writes David Little, a Partner in our Corporate and Commercial department who increasingly handles Sports Law cases too.
On 28 May 2022 thousands of Liverpool supporters experienced what many have described as ‘the worst day of their lives’. To add salt to the wounds, French government, police and UEFA united instantly to put the blame on Liverpool supporters, claiming that the chaos was caused by thousands seeking entry with fake tickets.
Before the match, French police used tear gas and pepper spray; supporters were penned into a narrow walkway and forced to wait for hours outside the Stade de France; some reported being refused entry despite having valid tickets; and the chaos caused kick-off to be delayed by more than half an hour.
A report found that UEFA bore “primary responsibility” for the failure to safely funnel spectators into the stadium, which it said almost resulted in a “mass fatality catastrophe”.
Law firm Leigh Day launched a legal claim for compensation last February, as it has more than 1,100 claims against UEFA.
Clare Campbell and Jill Paterson, Leigh Day partners representing fans in the claim against UEFA, said: “Leigh Day has always said that what is required here is more than a ticket refund. UEFA did not just ruin the biggest event in the football season, people were injured and traumatised and any compensation needs to reflect that.
“We will be pushing ahead with our legal claim to seek appropriate compensation for our clients, and await an urgent reply to a letter of claim that we have sent to UEFA setting out the legal basis for the action.”
UEFA is arguing that the court will have to decide on the lawfulness of actions or failings of the French State regarding matters, which occurred in France.
According to Leigh Day, the football body referenced the responsibilities and shortcomings of organisations such as the French Football Association, the French Ministry and the Prefecture de Police in its application.
Leigh Day is contesting the application as its lawyers argue that the High Court in Liverpool is the appropriate court to decide upon matters as the issue affected a large number of Liverpool FC fans.
Reported here by CityAM partners Clare Campbell and Jill Paterson at Leigh Day said: “To say that the events that chaos unfolded at the Stade de France on 28 May 2022 would be an understatement. For UEFA to try and deflect away from the key role we believe it played in the organisational and safety failings is hugely disappointing.
“Thousands of supporters were left injured and traumatised and, even now, 20 months on from that fateful day, many of those impacted continue to deal with the repercussions.”
Contact our Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial Solicitor
David Little, is a Partner in the Corporate & Commercial team and also Head of Sports Law for the firm. If you would like to contact him please quote Ref CB448 on either 07968 027343 or 020 7631 4141 or email company@bishopandsewell.co.uk.
The above is accurate as at 26 January 2024. The information above may be subject to change.
The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
