BT Sport issue apology to Liverpool fans over coverage of Champions League final

BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey has apologised to Liverpool supporters on behalf of the channel for their coverage of last season's Champions League final.

Vinicius Jr's. goal in Paris back in May was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win and their 14th European title.

The game was marred by scenes outside the Stade de France before kick-off, with local police using tear gas and pepper spray on supporters during a ticketing delay.

It saw the game delayed by 37 minutes and initial reports claimed Liverpool supporters caused the issue. An independent report later concluded UEFA were responsible for the incident.

BT Sport received criticism for their coverage of the game, which the broadcaster apologised for in a statement. It said: "We are hugely regretful that we were reading out those false statements, the only statements shared on the screens inside the stadium. It was a completely false narrative."

Humphrey, who is lead presenter for BT Sport's Champions League coverage, added to this ahead of Liverpool's clash with Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday evening.

He explained: "I just want to say sorry to all the people involved in this football club, the stress was added to you because of us sharing that information, which we now know to be completely false.

An apology to Liverpool fans after the actions around the Champions League final in 2022.

"We are hugely regretful that we were reading out those false statements, the only statements shared on the screens inside the stadium. It was a completely false narrative." pic.twitter.com/86ew2Aoz4j

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 21, 2023

"The truth is that those football fans that were being accused were out there saving the lives of other football fans, including our family members and our friends...

"If lessons aren't learned, then next time that this happens there could be even more of a tragedy than we saw on that night in Paris.

"So let's hope those lessons are taken on board, absolutely. It can't be repeated enough: Liverpool fans [are] absolutely not to blame for what happened that night, despite the initial messaging that came from the governing body (UEFA)."

Liverpool will have it all to do against the current holders when they face off again next month following a 5-2 defeat. Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah gave Jurgen Klopp's side an early 2-0 lead before a double from Vinicius Jr. brought Los Blancos level before halftime.

Eder Militao's header put Madrid ahead just after the break and Karim Benzema added two more to ensure Carlo Ancelotti's men return to Spain with a healthy advantage.