Liverpool vs Real Madrid delayed after problems outside Stade de France ahead of Champions League final | Football News

Liverpool vs Real Madrid has been delayed by 30 minutes after problems outside the Stade de France ahead of the Champions League final.

Fans have faced issues getting into the stadium in Paris, with long queues at security checkpoints and congestion. With many still waiting to enter the ground with 15 minutes to go until the original 8pm kick-off, the game was delayed until 8.15pm before being pushed back further to 8.30pm.

On the big screens inside the Stade de France, a message read: “Due to the late arrival of fans at the stadium, the match has been delayed. Further information will follow in 15 minutes maximum.”

BT Sport also reported that Liverpool fans had been teargassed outside the stadium as they struggled to make their way in.

Sky Sports’ Adam Bate, who is inside the Stade de France, said: “Confusion inside the stadium. Boos and whistles as the delay is announced, due to ‘a security issue’. The pre-match routines had been done, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ played, the warm-ups complete, so now they are attempting to fill the time. Strange atmosphere.”

Sky Sports News’ senior reporter Melissa Reddy tweeted at 7.23pm: “Reports from those stuck outside the stadium – and footage feeding through as well – of poor organisation and communication, dangerously narrow routes with police vans further unnecessarily blocking space. All of it creating an uncomfortable, unwanted situation.”

She latter added: “A repetition of UEFA’s announcement that ‘the late arrival of fans’ is to blame for the delay to kick-off is thunderously booed. Supporters have been queuing for over two hours outside. There are countless witness accounts of how this evening has unfolded amid horrid organisation.”

Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates also added: “Absolutely shambolic at the Stade de France. No way in, no way of knowing which way to go. Stay safe if you’re heading in… It has the potential to be very dangerous.”

The Associated Press reported that there have been sporadic instances of fans, apparently without tickets, breaking through security and attempting to get into the stadium.

The agency reported seeing two fans – one wearing Liverpool attire – wrestled to the ground by stewards and bundled out of the gates. Another fan evaded stewards and was seen sprinting through the concourse and into the bottom level of the stadium.