Well, well, well, isn’t this just delightful news? Nearly 20,000 Liverpool fans will receive a refund for their tickets to the 2022 Champions League final after they were stuck outside the Stade de France in Paris, France, and hit with pepper spray and tear gas. How considerate of UEFA to finally do something about it, right?
UEFA General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis claimed that they have “devised a scheme that is comprehensive and fair.” Of course, they have, because nothing says “comprehensive and fair” like pepper spraying and tear-gassing innocent fans who just want to watch a game of football.
In a surprising move, UEFA will even refund tickets bought by Real Madrid fans and neutral supporters who meet certain criteria. Wow, what a generous gesture! I’m sure the Liverpool fans who were practically assaulted by French police will be thrilled to know that everyone else is getting a refund too.
UEFA initially blamed “thousands of fans who had purchased fake tickets” and those who arrived late for the chaos. But, after an investigation, they eventually admitted their own culpability. How big of them to take responsibility for their own incompetence.
According to the report, UEFA “bears primary responsibility for failures which almost led to disaster.” Yes, “almost led to disaster.” Because getting pepper sprayed and tear-gassed while trying to attend a football match isn’t a disaster, apparently.
But don’t worry, folks, this “watershed moment” could be a “learning point” for event organizers before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. I’m sure the fans who were assaulted and traumatized will be thrilled to know that their horrific experience was just a teachable moment for someone else.
In any case, it’s a relief to know that no one lost their life. After all, getting pepper sprayed and tear-gassed is just a minor inconvenience, right?
