Real Madrid Call For Answers Following Champions League Final Trouble

Real Madrid's Marcelo lifts the trophy after winning the Champions League final match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, Saturday, May 28, 2022. Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0.(AP)
Real Madrid's Marcelo lifts the trophy after winning the Champions League final match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, Saturday, May 28, 2022. Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0.(AP)
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Real Madrid Call For Answers Following Champions League Final Trouble

Real Madrid's Marcelo lifts the trophy after winning the Champions League final match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, Saturday, May 28, 2022. Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0.(AP)
Real Madrid's Marcelo lifts the trophy after winning the Champions League final match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Saint Denis near Paris, Saturday, May 28, 2022. Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0.(AP)

Real Madrid have demanded answers from organizers over measures taken to protect supporters at last weekend's Champions League football final against Liverpool in Paris, which was marred by crowd trouble.

The match, which Real won 1-0, was delayed by more than 30 minutes after officers forcefully held back people trying to enter the Stade de France.

Riot police sprayed tear gas on fans, including women and children.

France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that much of the blame lay with Liverpool fans and that 30,000-40,000 arrived without valid tickets, which led to a crowd crush at the stadium and people trying to force their way in.

Darmanin's version of events has been challenged by Liverpool fans who attended and say the vast majority of their supporters were well-behaved but were treated in a heavy-handed manner by French riot police.

Darmanin has acknowledged police were caught off-guard by several hundred local "delinquents" who turned up to cause trouble.

"We want to know what were the reasons that motivated that designation of the venue for the final and what criteria were taken into consideration taking into account what was experienced that day," the LaLiga club said in a statement.

"We also ask for answers and explanations to determine who were those responsible for leaving the fans unattended and defenseless. Supporters whose general behavior was exemplary at all times.

"As clearly seen in the revealing images provided by the media, many of the fans were assaulted, harassed, mugged and robbed with violence."

The club added that their fans "deserved" a response.

Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan reiterated a call for an investigation into the incidents on Thursday, adding that both Liverpool and Real fans had suffered.

European football governing body UEFA has commissioned an independent inquiry into the incident, while French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said on Monday that they would produce a report within 10 days.



Man City Sign Dutch Midfielder Reijnders Ahead of Club World Cup

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, left, and Roma's Manu Kone battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Milan at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, left, and Roma's Manu Kone battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Milan at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)
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Man City Sign Dutch Midfielder Reijnders Ahead of Club World Cup

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, left, and Roma's Manu Kone battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Milan at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, left, and Roma's Manu Kone battle for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Milan at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)

Manchester City confirmed the signing of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on a five-year contract on Wednesday and said the Netherlands international will be available for this month's Club World Cup.

Financial details were not released but a City team source has put the transfer fee at 55 million euros ($62.85 million).

"City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities.  Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles, and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years," Reijnders said in a statement, according to Reuters.

"It is also a dream come true to play in the Premier League. This league has seen many of the best Dutch players perform through the years and it's an inspiration to follow in their footsteps."

The 26-year-old, who has been capped 23 times, joined Milan in 2023 on a five-year contract before extending it until 2030 in March.

He made 104 appearances for the club in all competitions, winning the Italian Super Cup and was named Serie A's best midfielder last season.

"He arrives here with extensive top-level experience in Europe both at club level as well as on the international stage with the Netherlands," City's Director of Football Hugo Viana said.

Reijnders is City's fourth addition of the transfer window after left back Rayan Ait-Nouri, winger Rayan Cherki and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

The expanded 32-team Club World Cup runs from June 14 to July 13 in the United States with $1 billion in prize money at stake.