Champions League final in Paris chaos: My immediate response
This week I have been inundated with requests for interviews from media outlets around the world to discuss the shambolic organisation and disgraceful treatment of Liverpool fans outside the Stade de France in Paris at the Champions League Final on Saturday evening.
I make no apology for the fact that I have given many interviews throughout the week, in a deliberate effort to rebut strongly and factually the shameful narrative from UEFA and the French authorities who initially blamed the late arrival of Liverpool fans for the atrocious and extremely dangerous stadium management outside the ground prior to kick-off.
As a Hillsborough survivor I am all too aware of the dangers of both inadequate crowd management and narrative of an early narrative blaming fans for the failures of authorities in charge.
I chose to put across my own experience of what took place outside the stadium and to use my platform as an MP to speak for many West Derby constituents and thousands of others in Paris without a voice.
It is essential that the truth is reported, and the reputation of our great city protected.
News in brief
Thank you to FRANCE 24 for giving me an opportunity to discuss the horrific events of Saturday and to share my thoughts on the shameful political response from the French Government and its ministers: https://f24.my/8ff6
On Monday I spoke to Kay Burley on Sky News about the instant attempt by French authorities to blame Liverpool fans for the horrendous events on Saturday evening in Paris. I told Kay this was reminiscent of lies told by the authorities in the aftermath of Hillsborough in 1989.
I also spoke to Radio 4’s Today programme on Monday morning about the gross failure of stadium management and hostile environment that greeted Liverpool fans at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday evening.
You can find below just a snapshot of some of the interviews and comments I have given in this week’s media coverage of the appalling mismanagement of the Champions League Final in Paris last Saturday:
Sky Sports: Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne - We were treated like animals, it was horrific: https://bit.ly/3GGoDvL
Liverpool Echo: Blame should be laid ‘where it belongs’ after Liverpool fan slurs - West Derby MP Ian Byrne has said French authorities, the police and UEFA should take responsibility after ministers doubled down on fake tickets claims: https://bit.ly/3ajcQXP
Channel 4 News: French police owe Liverpool supporters an apology, says Liverpool MP: https://bit.ly/3x43N4T
Stadium Astro: Liverpool MP calls for government inquiry after Reds fans 'treated like animals' at Champions League final: https://bit.ly/38HDNUV
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA): Liverpool MP calls for inquiry and apology after Stade de France debacle: https://bit.ly/3NUmf6Z
Sky News: Champions League final: What went wrong? On the Sky News Daily podcast, Saima Mohsin speaks to Sky Sport News' chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol and Labour MP Ian Byrne who were both in the crowds outside the Stade de France: https://bit.ly/3Nc4Kz6
Express: 'People crushed' Liverpool MP recalls horror of 'police brutality: 'Was begging security' – Liverpool MP Ian Byrne explained the horror which unfolded in Paris during Champions League match: https://bit.ly/3m5WVPp