Liverpool said they were “hugely disappointed” by what had unfolded. “Supporters should not have to experience the scenes we have witnessed tonight,” the club said. “We have officially requested a formal investigation into the causes of these unacceptable issues.”
As the situation became dangerous, the initial check was waived, which allowed fans up to the fence surrounding the stadium concourse. There was footage of some, presumably without tickets, climbing the fence and running past stewards, but the vast majority remained in the overcrowded queues for security checks. Many were pepper-sprayed, apparently for a failure to disperse, although it was far from clear where they should have dispersed to.
“As numbers outside the stadium continued to build up after kick off, the police dispersed them with tear gas and forced them away from the stadium. Uefa is sympathetic to those affected by these events and will further review these matters urgently together with the French police and authorities, and with the French Football Federation.”
Young locals were reported to have caused problems and scuffles, with police using tear gas, batons and shields to force them away. Liverpool supporters outside said hundreds of locals were taunting riot police, causing gates to be shut.