THE Champions League final kick-off was delayed by at least 15 minutes after hundreds of fans struggled to get into the Stade De France.
There was chaos outside the stadium about an hour before kick-off with supporters held up when trying to enter the stadium.
Big areas of the Liverpool end were empty as fans were kept waiting outside
Hundreds of Liverpool fans waited patiently to be allowed entry
ESPN report a build-up of supporters at perimeter points where tickets are checked and bags searched.
Because of that the authorities opened up the first control point to increase the flow of people and decrease crowding.
There are also reports of some gates being closed and Reds being directed towards a small Real Madrid entrance that quickly became blocked due to significant numbers of fans trying to get in.
That caused large portions of the Liverpool end to remain empty minutes prior to kick-off, leading to the delay.
There are also reports of tear gas being used on fans by authorities outside the ground.
Uefa then announced the delay was due to fans not arriving early enough, despite some supporters claiming they were outside the stadium two-three hours before kick-off.
Gary Lineker tweeted 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off: “Finding it impossible to get in the ground. This appears to be very dangerous. Absolute carnage.”
Another tweet on the situation read: “Loads of Liverpool fans still miles away from the ground with 20 minutes to kick-off. Huge congestion issues and reports of checkpoint chaos.
“Real Madrid end completely full, Liverpool end very sparse. Fans outside, with tickets, been here for hours before kick off, not able to get in. Absolute chaos.”
ESPN reporter Mark Ogen wrote: “Whatever happens now — and no way the Lpool end will be full at the start — UEFA have to work out how the Real Madrid fans were able to fill their end almost an hour before KO, while thousands of Lpool fans were stuck outside in huge queues for over an hour.”
More to follow…
