In a revealing interview, France's former interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, expressed regret over the security debacle at the 2022 Champions League final held at the Stade de France. The event, which saw Liverpool fans subjected to tear gas and muggings, was initially misattributed to the supporters themselves.

Darmanin admitted that the security measures were inappropriate for the actual threats faced, which involved local delinquents rather than the anticipated football hooligans. "Our security arrangements were not designed for that eventuality," he stated, highlighting a significant oversight in the planning stages.

The minister also retracted his earlier accusations against Liverpool fans, which had been a point of contention and distress for the supporters. "The scapegoat was easy to find, and I apologise now to Liverpool supporters. They were quite right to be hurt. It was a mistake and a failure," Darmanin confessed.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion on public safety and event management in France, with Darmanin commenting on the pervasive nature of violence in the country. "What a lot of French people can see is that (violence) has become general, it has metastasised," he remarked, indicating a nationwide issue that extends beyond isolated incidents.

As the French government continues to face criticism, this apology marks a pivotal moment in acknowledging past errors and the need for improved security protocols at major international events.