Events that have unfolded at two European finals this year has called into question Uefa’s cedibilty and professionalism in organising major sporting events. With complaints from Ibrox over the conditions inside the arena in Seville with water (no laughing now), and the ensuing chaos in Paris for Real Madrid vs Liverpool, Alexander Cefferin has been on the receiving end of considerable stick lately.

Now former Celtic and Liverpool legend, ‘King Kenny’ Dalglish has opened up on his own traumatic experience in the French capital on 28 May. As reported by The Herald, he said: “The scenes at last Saturday’s Champions League Final were totally unacceptable. What the Liverpool supporters had to go through was appalling.

“I was at the Stade de France, and the whole thing was an absolute shambles. I thought the fans showed great restraint and patience as they tried to get into the stadium to see the game, only to be faced by tear gas, pepper spray and what appeared local youths intent on causing mayhem.

“UEFA initially went into defensive mode, but have since offered an apology. They stated ‘No football fan should be put in that situation, and it must not happen again’. Absolutely correct. The fans caught up in the chaos deserved an apology and an explanation from UEFA.

“They could not be seen to undermine the supporters, and attempt to sweep what went on under the carpet. On the back of Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt complaining about incidents around their Europa League Final in Seville, UEFA have got it badly wrong in their two showpiece games.

“I look forward to a detailed account of their findings. Internally, they need to take a good look at themselves. Moving forward, a good starting point should be to give clubs competing in the Finals more of a ticket allocation. Getting 20 per cent of the tickets available is just not on.”

Sir Kenny is correct to call out the disgraceful nature of Uefa’s incredibly poor organising of these mammoth sporting ocassions. In what should be an opportunity to showcase the joy and beauty of football, we are left dismayed by the pictures emanating from a disastrous melee. Unfortunately football fans are treated more and more like cattle these days as big business and corporate shills spill their poison into our beloved game.

One only needs look at the ridiculous decision to grant Qatar the World Cup and the recent takeover at Newcastle United amongst others that have taken place in recent years. Supporters are left bereft when trying to get to cup finals due to corporate tickets being given out willy-nilly to the prawn sandwich brigade – most of whom don’t even like football into the bargain.

I fear that unless something revolutionary happens, football will just mimmick society in microcosm and events such as in Seville and Paris will become a regular occurrence. More’s the pity.

Paul Gillespie