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)
TT
20

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.



On Brink of Making History, Inter Miami to Go all in Against Palmeiras

Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Inter Miami CF Training - Inter Miami CF Training Centre, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US - June 22, 2025 Inter Miami CF's Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcon and Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Inter Miami CF Training - Inter Miami CF Training Centre, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US - June 22, 2025 Inter Miami CF's Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcon and Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
TT
20

On Brink of Making History, Inter Miami to Go all in Against Palmeiras

Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Inter Miami CF Training - Inter Miami CF Training Centre, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US - June 22, 2025 Inter Miami CF's Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcon and Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Inter Miami CF Training - Inter Miami CF Training Centre, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US - June 22, 2025 Inter Miami CF's Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcon and Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Inter Miami have no intention to play for a draw when they face Palmeiras in their final Group A game at the Club World Cup on Sunday, a result that would send both teams into the knockout stages.

It would be a massive achievement for Inter Miami, who beat Porto and drew against Al Ahly in their first two games, Reuters reported.

Palmeiras are top of the group on four points, ahead of Miami on goal difference with Porto and Al Ahly both on one point.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

All four teams can still qualify for the last 16 but only Miami and Palmeiras have their fate in their hands. Palmeiras need a draw to qualify top of the group.

The group winners will face the second-placed team in Group B, currently led by Botafogo with six points while Champions League winners Paris St Germain are second on three points.

KEY QUOTES:

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano: "We're facing possibly one of the most important games in the history of our club. Above all, let that fill us with enthusiasm to be able to play it, let it not be a burden, not a burden, but an excitement and a challenge for this group of players who are also doing well up until now.

"It would be a big mistake if we went into it thinking about not playing it and only about the result. I think that when you think about the result and don't go into it, certain things can happen during the game that make it very difficult to get back into the game. In the end, our idea is to go and win the game like we've always done, like every time we go into a game, whether it's in the Club World Cup, MLS, the Champions League, or any other competition we're involved in."