Liverpool supporters were once again exposed to brutal and degrading treatment by French police.
Liverpool supporters once again endured unacceptable treatment from French police during a European match in France.
On the pitch, the evening could hardly have gone better for the Reds. A convincing 3–0 win over Marseille reflected their complete control of the contest and strengthened their push for a top-four finish in the Champions League league phase.
Dominik Szoboszlai was the standout performer, producing a superb free kick just before half-time and showing great skill in the build-up to Cody Gakpo’s decisive goal. However, despite the emphatic victory, the atmosphere among the travelling Liverpool fans was dampened after the final whistle through no fault of their own.
Supporters were held inside the Stade Vélodrome for more than two hours following the match. One fan, Daniel Austin, shared footage on X showing large groups of Liverpool supporters confined to cramped areas of the stadium long after the game had ended. He described fans being herded into overcrowded stairways and corridors, with limited access to toilets due to the congestion. While frustration was evident, supporters remained calm despite what he described as being treated “like cattle.”
The popular Taggy’s Bar account on X also condemned the treatment of Liverpool fans in Marseille, labelling the situation a “farce” and “completely ridiculous.”
Although there was no repeat of the chaotic and distressing scenes witnessed at the Stade de France during the 2022 Champions League final, this incident represents yet another example of heavy-handed policing of English supporters in France. Liverpool fans are not alone in this experience; Newcastle United supporters were similarly mistreated in Marseille earlier this season, while Manchester United fans were tear-gassed ahead of their match against Lyon last year.
Liverpool supporters were informed via text shortly before full-time that they may be required to remain inside the stadium for up to an hour, but many were ultimately held for well over two hours.
UEFA must begin taking a much firmer stance on how matches in France are policed. The repeated mistreatment of compliant visiting supporters has become an ongoing and unacceptable issue.
While the result on the pitch was flawless, the night will be remembered by many Liverpool fans as yet another troubling example of disgraceful conduct by French authorities.
