FRENCH police arrested dozens of people during the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris, which was marked by scenes of chaos that delayed the kick-off.

Liverpool said genuine ticket-holders had not been able to access the match due to a security breakdown, while French authorities and UEFA blamed a problem with fake tickets.

The delay and chaotic scenes outside the Stade de France in Paris – where French police used tear gas to disperse fans – was not what the capital wanted just two years before it hosts the Olympics.

The Interior Ministry said 68 people have been detained, of whom 39 have been placed under arrest and remanded in custody meaning they can face charges.

UEFA, European football governing body, blamed “fake tickets that did not work in the turnstiles” for the 35-minute delay to the final.

But Liverpool said it is “hugely disappointed” that its supporters had been subjected to an “unacceptable” breakdown of the security perimeter.

However, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin pointed the finger at Liverpool fans, saying “thousands of British ‘supporters’ either without tickets or with fake ones forced their way through and sometimes behaved violently towards the stewards”.

French newspaper Le Monde commented: “The party that was supposed to precede the final… was spoilt and turned into real chaos.”

“From party to fiasco,” said France’s leading sports daily L’Equipe.

In contrast to the scenes outside the stadium, Paris police noted that proceedings at two vast fans zones hosting thousands of supporters from both sides took place in a good atmosphere and without major incident.

Some 40,000 Liverpool supporters without a ticket packed into their zone to enjoy the atmosphere in eastern Paris. Despite the disappointment of defeat, they left the area without any issue.

The Paris fire brigade said the night had largely been calm, although it had treated some supporters for the effects of tear gas and excess alcohol consumption. – AFP, May 29, 2022.