France's former interior minister has apologised for the first time forthe 2022 fiasco at the Stade de Francewhich saw Liverpool football supporters wrongly blamed for a riot. Gérald Darmanin admitted that security arrangements for the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid were wrong, and that his first public remarks – blaming English fans – were a mistake. "It was a failure because I had not foreseen. That was a mistake on my part. I was led astray by my preconceptions," said Darmanin, now France's justice minister. "The scapegoat was easy to find, and I apologise now to Liverpool supporters. They were quite right to be hurt. It was a mistake and a failure." Police used tear gas on Liverpool supporters, and some fans were mugged by gangs of French youths. In a lengthy interview on the Legend YouTube channel, Darmanin said the night was "the biggest failure" of his career. "What I did not appreciate that evening was that the real problem was not coming from English supporters, but from delinquents who were robbing fans. "Our security arrangements were not designed for that eventuality. We had riot police … with big boots and shields – not great for running. What you need against that kind of delinquency is officers in running shoes. "We got our arrangements wrong. We were expecting a war of (football) hooligans, and what we got instead was muggers." In their first comments after the problems, Darmanin and police chief Didier Lallement said the dangerous crush at the stadium was largely caused by Liverpool fans in possession of fake tickets. The claim was subsequently debunked in an independent report commissioned by UEFA. In another section of the interview, Darmanin said that there was "no longer any safe place" in France - a comment that drew fire from the hard-right opposition. "What a lot of French people can see is that (violence) has become general, it has metastasised. It's no longer only in the places where you once looked for potential problems. "Nowadays you can see that the tiniest country village has experience of cocaine or cannabis." National Rally MP Jean-Philippe Tanguy noted that Darmanin has been in government since President Emmanuel Macron's first election in 2017. Tungay said he was "treating the French like imbeciles, making all these so-called tough declarations when the record is so catastrophic". Darmanin, who is 42 and from the political right, did nothing in the interview to dispel speculation that he might be in the running to replace Macron in 2027. "Do I think of the presidential election? The answer is yes," he said. "That does not mean that I am going to be a candidate, but it does mean I have ambitions for the country to do better than what I see now."
French minister apologises to Liverpool fans over Champions League chaos
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Gérald Darmanin Apologizes to Liverpool Fans for 2022 Champions League Final Chaos"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
In a significant admission, Gérald Darmanin, the former French interior minister, has publicly apologized to Liverpool football fans for the chaos that occurred during the 2022 Champions League final at Stade de France. During the match between Liverpool and Real Madrid, Darmanin had initially blamed English supporters for the disorder, a statement he has now acknowledged as a mistake. He described the security arrangements for the event as inadequate and stated that he was misled by his own biases when assessing the situation. Darmanin expressed regret, saying, "The scapegoat was easy to find, and I apologize now to Liverpool supporters. They were quite right to be hurt. It was a mistake and a failure." His comments come in light of a lengthy interview where he reflected on the night, describing it as the biggest failure of his career. He revealed that the real issue stemmed from criminal elements targeting fans, rather than the behavior of the supporters themselves, and criticized the preparations that were focused on potential hooliganism rather than addressing the actual threat posed by muggers.
Darmanin's previous remarks, which included claims that Liverpool fans were responsible for a dangerous crush due to fake tickets, were later discredited by an independent UEFA report. His acknowledgment of the failures in security planning has drawn mixed reactions, with some politicians criticizing him for his handling of public safety in France. Darmanin also touched on broader issues of violence in the country, stating that there is now "no longer any safe place" in France, a comment that has sparked backlash from right-wing opposition members. Despite the controversies, Darmanin hinted at his political ambitions, suggesting he is considering a run for presidency in 2027. He stated, "Do I think of the presidential election? The answer is yes," while emphasizing his desire for the country to improve its current situation.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the recent apology from France's former interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, regarding the chaotic events that unfolded during the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France. This acknowledgment comes after a period of blame directed towards Liverpool fans, which was later revealed to be misplaced. Darmanin's admission of failure and misjudgment highlights a significant shift in narrative around the incident, aiming to address the unjust treatment of Liverpool supporters.
Implications of the Apology
The apology serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it seeks to restore some measure of dignity to the Liverpool fans who were unfairly vilified. By publicly acknowledging the missteps in security and the wrongful attribution of blame, the French government aims to mend relations with the football community, particularly given the international spotlight on the incident. This may also be a strategic move to counteract any potential backlash against French authorities and improve their public image.
Public Perception
The narrative shaped by Darmanin's comments may influence public perception positively towards Liverpool supporters. It counters the previous portrayal of English fans as troublemakers, instead framing them as victims of a flawed security operation. This rebranding could foster a sense of solidarity among football fans globally, particularly those who empathize with Liverpool's experience.
Hidden Agendas
While the apology appears genuine, it may also serve to distract from broader issues of security and crime in France, as indicated by Darmanin’s later comments about violence in the country. The shift in focus from the original chaos at the stadium to a larger commentary on societal safety could be a means to divert attention from governmental accountability for the incident’s fallout.
Trustworthiness of the Information
The reliability of this news report hinges on the sincerity of Darmanin’s remarks and the context in which they are made. Given the backdrop of the UEFA-commissioned report that debunked previous claims about Liverpool fans, the information presented appears credible. However, the timing and motivations behind the apology warrant scrutiny, especially in a politically charged environment.
Social and Economic Impact
This incident and its fallout could affect various social dynamics in France. The acknowledgment of failure in handling the event might lead to increased scrutiny of security measures at public events, possibly resulting in reforms. Economically, the incident previously tarnished the reputation of Paris as a host city for major events, and a successful resolution could help restore confidence among international sports organizations.
Support from Communities
The apology may resonate particularly well with football fans, advocacy groups for sportsmanship, and those concerned about public safety. The broader football community might view this as a positive step towards accountability and respect for fans.
Stock Market Reactions
In terms of market implications, this news is unlikely to have a direct impact on stock prices. However, companies involved in security and event management might find this incident influencing their prospects as discussions around improving public safety standards continue.
Geopolitical Context
This apology does not directly alter the global balance of power but does reflect on France's internal security challenges. The incident is relevant to ongoing discussions about public safety and governance in the context of large-scale events, which are crucial for France's international image.
Use of AI in Reporting
It is plausible that AI models could have been employed to analyze sentiments or trends in public discourse regarding the incident, though the specific use in crafting this article is unclear. The language used in the article appears straightforward, focusing on factual recounting rather than sensationalism.
In conclusion, the article serves to address a significant public relations issue for French authorities while attempting to heal the wounds inflicted upon Liverpool fans during the chaotic event. The motivations behind the apology and its timing suggest a complex interplay of accountability, public perception, and broader societal concerns.