C/League mayhem: UEFA sets up independent Commission

UEFA has confirmed that an independent and comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into what happened ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final in Paris.

A statement from the European governing body said: “UEFA announced today that it has commissioned an independent report on the events surrounding the UEFA Champions League final in Paris on Saturday 28 May.

“The comprehensive review will examine the decision-making, responsibility and behavior of all entities involved in the final.”

Kick-off at the Stade de France was delayed by 36 minutes as chaos reigned on the ground and thousands of Liverpool fans were prevented from entering.

UEFA and the French authorities blame the delay on late arrivals and supporters who had ‘fake tickets’.

Those who had traveled to watch the Reds told a very different story, however: long queues that formed about three hours before kick-off and a police crackdown.

French officers sprayed and tear gas some supporters and forced them into dangerous bottlenecks.

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The investigation into the chaos will be conducted by Dr. Tiago Brandao Rodrigues, a member of the Portuguese Parliament and former board member of the World Anti-Doping Agency Foundation. In order to maintain independence, he will execute the report on a pro bono basis.

The UEFA statement added: “Evidence will be collected from all relevant parties and the findings of the independent report will be made public upon completion and UEFA will evaluate the next steps upon receipt of the findings.”