UEFA still playing the blame game

Few days ago, UEFA brands Liverpool have the worst fans in Europe and now Michel Platini said the stadium security at fault, Greece turn to take the blames. A meeting between UEFA president Michel Platini and England sports minister Richard Caborn in Brussels, Belgium to establish a working party to look into ways of tightening security and crowd control ahead of next year's final.

UEFA spokesman, William Gaillard has revealed;

"The incidents involving Liverpool fans have been well known to us before the trouble at the Champions League final which involved Liverpool fans. That was just the latest example. What other set of fans steal tickets from their fellow supporters or out of the hands of children?"

And this is the same spokesman who praised our supporters for the well behaviour after the Istanbul final in 2005 and the semi-final victory against Chelsea last month. The war of words begun, Rick Parry countered with this statement;

"But at the end of the day Uefa can't hide from the fact that the match was played at a stadium not fit for football - no system checking numbers, no turnstiles, and the security was a joke."

Liverpool's co-owner, Tom Hicks said yesterday;

"Uefa did not handle this right at all. To give 17,000 tickets to the two teams, particularly knowing Liverpool are going to bring 40,000 fans, is insane. It's a classic case of a bureaucrat trying to take the pressure off himself. They didn't have proper ticketing procedures and unfortunately there were counterfeit tickets. There were fans who paid their hard-earned money to get their tickets and they get to the stadium and are told there is no more room. Are they (the fans) mad? Sure they're mad."

A Liverpool fan, Paul Gregory already issued a formal complaint to UEFA for reimbursement of his flights, accomodation and tickets by UEFA or risk facing legal action. Will UEFA reimburse Paul Gregory? He was one of the 5000 genuine tickets holder, if UEFA pay for the damages, 4999 will follow suits. Either way, the customer always right!

Back to the topic, the meeting held in Brussels was to receive the UEFA's report on their claims over the Athens final incidents. But the so-called report was 'confidential' according to William Gaillard. What the fu*k? What is he trying to cover up? If he dares to make such a statement, then why is he so afraid to show it to us?

Richard Caborn said;

“I told Uefa that there was no point in playing the blame game. We have to move on. I wanted assurances that Athens would not be repeated and that never again would any fans be put in this position. I got that assurance.”

William Gaillard's statement has infuriated many people and the Merseyside MPs called for his 'head on the gallows'. One of the MPs said;

“Gaillard knew exactly what he was saying. The bottom line is that the organisation was a shambles and it’s by the grace of God it didn’t turn out much worse. I don’t think he should resign – I think he should be sacked. For him to resign would be a way out with honour.”

"We, Liverpool's supporters NOT hooligans!"

YNWA,
Red's Fury™