Soccer

UEFA: fake tickets led to Champions League final delay

The Champions League final was delayed by half an hour as Liverpool fans struggled to get into the stadium.

MARYAM EL HAMOUCHIGetty

According to UEFA the 30 minute delay to the start of the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid this evening, Saturday, was caused by fake tickets, leading to the turnstiles to become blocked.

Fake tickets delays Champions League final

“In the lead-up to the game, the turnstiles at the Liverpool end became blocked by thousands of fans who had purchased fake tickets which did not work in the turnstiles,” said UEFA in a statement.

According to European soccer’s governing body, the kick-off was delayed in order to allow as many fans as possible with genuine tickets to gain access.

With numbers of supporters increasing outside the stadium, according to UEFA, the police “dispersed them with tear gas and forced them away from the stadium”.

UEFA say they are sympathetic to the people affected, and will “review these matters urgently together with the French police and authorities and the French Football Federation”.

Real Madrid won their 14th European Cup, beating Liverpool 1-0 with a goal from Vinicius in the second half.

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