Real Madrid demands answers over Champions League final chaos

requested answers from authorities for the

Champions League final

chaos "in defense of our supporters" Madrid overcame

1-0 in the final on May 28 thanks to

Vinicius Junior

's second-half goal, winning Europe's most coveted title for a record-extending 14th time.

The original kick-off time was delayed by 30 minutes after a large number of people entered without tickets. Police deployed tear gas and pepper spray on fans with legitimate matchday passes left outside as others jumped the barriers.

Madrid issued a statement demanding an explanation for the horrific scenes: "Real Madrid C. F. wishes to convey the following in defense of our fans who were victimized by the unfortunate events at the Stade de France on May 28.

"We want to know why this venue was picked for the final and the criterion employed, considering the day's events. We want answers and reasons to establish who abandoned and defenseless the fans. Always-exemplary fans.

"What should have been a beautiful football festival for all fans turned into a sequence of tragic occurrences, causing indignation around the world. According to media photographs, numerous fans were violently accosted, harassed, assaulted, and robbed. These incidents persisted in vehicles and buses, prompting concern for their health. Some injured supporters spent the night in the hospital.

"Football's image is far from its ideals and ambitions. Our fans and supporters demand response, and those guilty should be held accountable to remove occurrences like these from football and sport in general." Liverpool's chairman Tom Werner demanded an apology from the French authorities for failing to notice the "extremely risky" set-up.

UEFA initially blamed unticketed fans for the unrest but has since commissioned an independent assessment.

Officials will evaluate the "decision making, responsibility, and behavior of all entities involved in the final" before taking any further action. Politicians blaming supporters added insult to injury. This is a security and safety issue that all clubs' fans should embrace.

Billy Hogan, Liverpool's chief executive, has been in communication with his Madrid counterparts all week as they seek answers from UEFA and French authorities. Liverpool has worries about the guy nominated to head UEFA's 'independent' final report.

Dr. Tiago Brandao Rodrigues will oversee the inquiry, but he may have ties to UEFA through his work with Tiago Craveiro, the former chief executive of the Portuguese Football Federation, who currently advises UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Given the performances of French Interior Minister

Gerald Darmanin

and Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera this week, it's evident that supporters still reeling from last weekend's events face a lengthy road.

Liverpool says 6,500 fans have filed online forms outlining their experiences and provided financial help to mental health organizations. Real Madrid's late involvement has accelerated the search for the truth.

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