JAKARTA - Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan said the riots outside the stadium before the European Champions League final against Real Madrid could not be ignored. The real facts behind the incident must be disclosed transparently.
The riots arose when most of the supporters who used fake tickets rushed into the Stade de France Stadium on Sunday, May 29 in the early hours of WIB. The game had to be postponed for more than half an hour.
The unfavorable situation forced the security forces to spray water gas. The European Football Union (UEFA) initially blamed fans for using fake tickets, but widespread reports suggest the spraying of tear gas targeted other fans who were orderly.
This makes the Liverpool can not accept. They also called for an immediate investigation.
"What happened outside the stadium completely overshadowed [the match]. Access to the stadium and the breach of security is completely unacceptable, and frankly, the treatment of our fans as well," Hogan said, reported by Livescore.
Merseyside Police had previously released a statement on Sunday. In that statement, they praised the behavior of Liverpool supporters who were exemplary for following the rules. Meanwhile, the Reds Spirit of Shankly support group criticized the organizers' incompetence.
Hogan said his party had discussed with UEFA after the incident. He emphasized that his party requested a transparent and independent investigation that could help uncover the facts.
"It's very important for us to understand what happened and how we got into that situation, where people's safety is at risk. It's important for us to understand what happened, but it's also important that we take any lessons and make sure it never happens again, " he said.
Hogan also revealed that the club will provide a means for Liverpool fans to communicate their experiences of those involved in the incident to the club.
"The most important thing is that people are safe, it was a very difficult night for a lot of people, and we understand there are many different experiences," he said.
"It's very important for us to hear from the supporters, that we have the facts, and we want to be able to pass those facts on to the relevant authorities."
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