UEFA Resolves Legal Dispute to Provide Compensation for Liverpool Supporters
Liverpool fans who suffered injury and distress at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris have finally received some justice. A civil claim involving these fans has been settled, with UEFA confirming a “full and final settlement” with fans represented by Pogust Goodhead and Bingham Long who had made personal injury claims.
The settlement terms will remain confidential, according to UEFA. However, this resolution marks an important step towards compensating the fans who faced harrowing experiences during the final. An independent report published last year found UEFA to be primarily responsible for the failures that occurred, which almost resulted in a “mass fatality catastrophe.”
The problems began with serious congestion outside the Stade de France in Paris. Thousands of Liverpool fans found themselves penned in against perimeter fences and trapped in a motorway underpass, causing the kick-off to be delayed by over 30 minutes. These same supporters were also targeted by local youths attempting to steal tickets. To make matters worse, the fans were tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed by the police.
In response to the incident, UEFA has already implemented recommendations from the independent review and established a special refund scheme. Now, the organization has gone further by ensuring that Liverpool fans represented by Pogust Goodhead and Bingham Long receive compensation for the difficulties they faced.
The terms of the settlement agreement have been agreed upon, but the details will remain confidential. It is important to note that this settlement does not entail any admission of liability. UEFA hopes that this common position will bring closure for the fans involved.
One Liverpool fan, Matt Douglas, who was part of the claim made by Pogust Goodhead and Bingham Long, shared his experience. He expressed his concern for safety as gates were closed and stewards ignored fans’ attempts to communicate. The situation escalated as more people were let into the gate, leaving a large volume of people with nowhere to go. Douglas ended up climbing a waist-high security divide to avoid injury. Inside the ground, the aftermath of tear gas added to the fans’ distress.
Douglas revealed the lasting impact of the incident on his mental health, describing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has been avoiding crowds and is unsure if he will ever be ready to attend a football match again. Moreover, he vowed never to return to Paris. Douglas firmly believes that UEFA failed in their duty of care towards the fans.
The independent panel’s report also highlighted the authorities’ attempt to blame Liverpool fans without tickets for the chaos, despite lacking any evidence. This attempt to shift blame resonated with the Hillsborough disaster, where similar allegations were made and persisted for decades before being proven false.
The legal teams representing the claimants expressed their satisfaction with the settlement. Michael Burke and Paul Hudson from Pogust Goodhead emphasized the importance of the case and considered it a privilege to have played a part in it. Gerard Long, managing director of Bingham Long, assured fans that no deductions would be taken from their compensation.
In conclusion, UEFA’s resolution of the legal dispute is a step towards acknowledging the suffering endured by Liverpool fans during the 2022 Champions League final. While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, this agreement represents an important milestone in compensating the fans for the challenges they faced. The incident serves as a reminder of the duty of care owed to supporters attending major sporting events and emphasizes the need for proper planning and security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.