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A French investigation of the security incident at the Uefa Champions League final in May concluded that a long list of administrative mistakes and failures were to blame, not Liverpool supporters.

The pandemonium in the crowd that resulted in fans being tear-gassed and robbed in Paris was initially attributed by the French authorities to supporters and false tickets. However, according to a Senate study, the authorities wrongfully accused them. It claimed that dysfunctional errors were committed at every level.

Two Senate committees looked into what went wrong on the night of the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris on May 28. They gathered testimony from Liverpool fan and club representatives as well as French officials for their report, titled Champions League Final: An Unavoidable Fiasco.

According to Liverpool supporters, issues at the Stade de France turnstiles were brought on by digital tickets that did not function properly on the night of the match. The situation was made worse by a rail strike, which created congestion as fans came for the game.

Fans were robbed and beaten by neighbourhood troublemakers in addition to being tear-gassed outside the stadium. Then it was discovered that the CCTV footage had been deleted a week later since no request to save it had been made.

One of the inquiry’s two chairs, Laurent Lafon, described an uncoordinated series of events and preparatory errors by saying, “Everyone went their own way without there being any real coordination.”

The investigation criticises Paris police, Uefa, and the French government. Uefa is criticised for failing to prepare for probable ticket fraud, and the government is criticised for placing the burden on the fans.

Additionally, it concluded that the deployment of tear gas on spectators was “especially harsh.” The security measures utilised by Parisian authorities, according to Liverpool supporters who testified at the inquiry, were similar to those used against hooligans in the 1980s.

As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the May final was moved from St. Petersburg to the local area in the middle of March, leaving local officials little time to prepare. However, it criticised Uefa for not passing legislation to prohibit bogus paper tickets. The administration was embarrassed by the tragic events outside the stadium as it prepared for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as well as the June parliamentary elections.

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The Story

Reports from Spanish media outlet Marca suggests that the two giant Premier League clubs , Liverpool and Manchester United are seeking the service of Real Betis sensation Junior Firpo. Both the League giants want to sign the Spanish full-back in this summer transfer window.

Heart of the Matter

Junior Firpo, 22, spent a scintillating season for Real Betis, scoring three goals and providing four assists throughout the 24 league appearances.

Firpo’s blizzarding offensive runs make him an obvious threat for the opponents. A few months ago, there were a few reports where Manchester City were suggested as Firpo’s next destination.

However, the deal didn’t take place due to Zinchenko’s fabulous performances for the Cityzens in the absence of Benjamin Mendy.

Last season, although Liverpool won the Champions League title for the sixth time, they failed to grasp the Premier League by a decisive point. To challenge Manchester City for the PL title, Liverpool are looking to strengthen their squad.

On the other hand, Manchester United have a different scenario. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side needs a major overhaul in this summer transfer market. They have already signed Daniel Janes from Swansea City and are looking to add some defensive and midfield reinforcements.

Marca states that, both Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in signing Junior Firpo from Real Betis this summer. As per the same report, Clubs will have to trigger Firpo’s £50 million release clause to sign the Spanish U21 international.

Liverpool’s Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno will make his move away from the club this summer. On the other hand, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has only one left-back (Luke Shaw) in their squad.

In fact, Ashley Young, who played in both fullback positions for United last term, failed to impress the Norwegian manager. As per reports surrounding the clubs, the 2019-20 season could be Ashley Young’s last campaign at Old Trafford.

Conclusion

Liverpool are the favourites to win the race, as Manchester United would like to splash £50 million on a central defensive option rather than on a left-back.

Image courtesy: marca.com / images are subject to copyright

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