Liverpool fans' Uefa claim can be heard in England, judge rules
More than 800 Liverpool fans' legal claims against European football's governing body Uefa over chaotic scenes before the 2022 Champions League final can be heard in England, a High Court judge has ruled.Serious congestion outside the Stade de France in Paris saw thousands of supporters penned in, tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed by police.Many of the Liverpool supporters had already been targeted by local youths trying to steal tickets for the match against Real Madrid.Uefa argued at a hearing in July that English courts did not have jurisdiction but Mr Justice Turner has now ruled otherwise.
'Primary responsibility'
The high court, sitting in Liverpool, heard Uefa had relied upon the principle that English courts will not inquire into the legality of actions by foreign governments.In his 38-page judgement, Mr Justice Turner said fans who received their tickets for the game from Liverpool FC had involved "the imposition of an English contractual duty to take reasonable skill and care to be considered in regard to French health and safety laws and regulations as applicable to the stadium".In March 2024, Uefa said it had reached a "full and final settlement" with supporters, represented by two other law firms, who had made personal injury claims.The continuing claims concern hundreds of fans represented by law firm Leigh Day.One of its solicitors Jill Paterson said: "This is a landmark legal decision for Liverpool fans in their battle for justice against Uefa."Uefa will now have to answer them in the English courts."In February 2023, an independent report found Uefa bore "primary responsibility" for failures which almost led to a "mass fatality catastrophe".
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