The Champions League final, moved from St. Petersburg due to geopolitical tensions, became a focal point of controversy when it kicked off with a 36‑minute delay. The match pitted Real Madrid against Liverpool, yet the atmosphere was overshadowed by unrest surrounding the event.
Riotous scenes emerged at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, as clashes between fans and security personnel unfolded throughout the evening. The disturbances were linked to a large number of English supporters, with authorities reporting many fans either without tickets or presenting counterfeit entries. Drunkenness among some attendees further intensified the chaotic environment.
Similar episodes had recently been witnessed in England, where crowds at Wembley during a major final breached entry points without valid tickets. The actions of the supporters, especially those who directed aggression toward rival fans in the stands, prompted a swift response from European football authorities.
Despite the scale of the disruption, authorities were unable to prevent the escalation on the day of the final. Police were forced to contend with repeated attempts to breach the stadium as rioting continued for hours, with tear gas deployed to restore order. In addition to incidents inside the stadium, disturbances spread to fan zones in Paris, affecting both Real Madrid and Liverpool supporters.
According to L’Equipe, approximately 68 individuals were detained, and around 238 fans required medical assistance for minor injuries. The events drew sharp statements from officials and clubs alike, underscoring concerns about security and crowd control during one of European football’s marquee moments.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin condemned the conduct of some English supporters and praised the efforts of law enforcement in managing a highly challenging situation. He stated that thousands of fans entered or attempted to enter with improper tickets and that authorities acted to restore order on the night, acknowledging the difficult circumstances faced by the police on the ground.
Liverpool issued a formal statement expressing disappointment with the security lapses that affected its supporters and calling for a thorough UEFA inquiry into the matter. The club emphasized the importance of a safe and orderly environment for both sets of fans during the sport’s most important European fixture and requested clarity on the causes of the security breaches.
UEFA promptly announced its intention to investigate the events, coordinating with French police and authorities in collaboration with the French Football Federation. A UEFA spokesperson explained that turnstiles were overwhelmed by fans with counterfeit tickets before kickoff, which contributed to the surge of attempts to enter the venue. The organization expressed sympathy for those affected and committed to addressing the security concerns in partnership with national authorities and the federation.
Real Madrid secured a minimal victory thanks to a late second-half strike by Vinicius Junior, securing the club’s 14th triumph in Europe’s premier club competition and reinforcing its position as a dominant force in European football history.