French Minister Acknowledges Mistakes in 2022 Champions League Final Crisis

In a significant interview, Darmanin conceded that the security failures at the Stade de France were due to incorrect assumptions, initially blaming Liverpool supporters for disturbances and failing to anticipate the real threats.

In a groundbreaking response to the fallout from the 2022 Champions League final, former French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin issued a heartfelt apology to Liverpool fans, recognizing the mismanagement and security breakdowns that took place during the event. The final, held at the Stade de France, was marred by chaos, including police deployment of tear gas against supporters and incidents of theft and violence by local gangs targeting fans.

Darmanin, now serving as France's justice minister, expressed regret for his previous comments that inaccurately attributed responsibility for the turmoil to English supporters. "It was a failure because I had not foreseen," Darmanin remarked, acknowledging that his initial focus on Liverpool fans was misguided. Instead, he clarified that the real issue was the criminal activity from individuals seeking to exploit the situation.

This admission comes after multiple investigations that debunked early claims of ticket fraud among Liverpool fans, a narrative that was largely discredited in an independent report commissioned by UEFA. Darmanin revealed during a lengthy interview on the Legend YouTube channel that the night was "the biggest failure" of his career, emphasizing that the preparation for potential hooliganism was inadequate in the face of actual threats that emerged.

Further complicating the narrative are his comments regarding rising violence and delinquency in France, suggesting that safety concerns have escalated nationwide. His remarks attracted criticism from political opponents, highlighting the ongoing tension in French society regarding public safety.

As the political landscape shifts, Darmanin hinted at his presidential ambitions for 2027 without formally declaring candidacy. This acknowledgment reflects a growing interest in the country’s future amidst ongoing public safety concerns, which the French populace perceives as increasingly dire.

With the issue still fresh in the collective memory of football fans, this apology may serve as a stepping stone for healing relations between authorities and fan communities, but it also reignites discussions on the need for systemic change within the French security apparatus.