In an exclusive interview, Darmanin reflected on the security failures that unfolded during the match between Liverpool and Real Madrid. He admitted that he had incorrectly attributed responsibility for the chaos to the Liverpool supporters, acknowledging that his initial claims were misguided.
The former interior minister described the night as "the biggest failure" of his career, emphasizing that the real issues stemmed from dangerous gangs targeting fans rather than from the Liverpool supporters themselves. He recognized the heavy police response, stating it was inappropriate for the situation, and noted that the security arrangements were ill-prepared for the actual threats they faced that night.
Initially, Darmanin and police authorities asserted that the dangerous crowd surge was a result of Liverpool fans attempting to enter the stadium with counterfeit tickets. However, this claim was later dismissed by an independent investigation commissioned by UEFA. Darmanin now admits that he was misled by his own biases, underscoring the need for different policing strategies in such scenarios.
The apology was also aimed at addressing the emotional distress Liverpool fans experienced during the ordeal, affirming that his comments had further compounded their suffering. The justice minister's remarks highlight a broader societal concern regarding lawlessness in France, a statement that drew criticism from the political opposition who labeled his comments as an insult to the public.
In this politically charged atmosphere, speculation about Darmanin's ambitions for future political leadership remains prominent, as he hinted at potential aspirations for the presidency in 2027. His newfound acknowledgment of previous mistakes marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the Champions League final chaos, as both fans and officials aim for accountability and improvements in crowd safety protocols moving forward.
