Earlier the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday started after a 36-minute delay (1.06am IST Sunday) due to crowd trouble. A policeman (picture extreme left) tries to control an irate Liverpool fan while (picture left) another policeman sprays tear gas at Liverpool fans outside the stadium.

“The kick-off must be delayed for some minutes for security reasons,” a stadium announcer said 15 minutes before the 2100 local time (12.30am IST) scheduled start. “The start of the match is delayed due to the late arrival of fans,” it was announced later. “Supporters attempted to penetrate the stadium. They forced their way through the first filter. The screening at the Stade de France is watertight,” French police said. Reuters TV footage showed riot police chasing fans outside the stadium as they ran away and others being escorted away. “We have intervened to push back fans trying to force their way through,” French police said.