Who? Gerard Long, managing director, Binghams Solicitors, Liverpool.

Lawyer in the news: Gerard Long, Binghams Solicitors

Why is he in the news? Representing Liverpool FC fans caught up in the chaos at the Champions League final in Paris last year in legal claims against UEFA, European football’s governing body.

Thoughts on the case: ‘The case against UEFA is very strong, even more so after the publication of the independent report in February which concluded UEFA held “primary responsibility” for the events which occurred. Essentially, the case is a breach of contract of the ticket terms and conditions resulting in personal injury. We are bringing the action in an English court, but it is likely to be governed by French law. We have 2,900 clients registered, with 2,000 signed to our CFA at the time of writing.

‘We are bringing this case in partnership with Pogust Goodhead, which is the biggest group action firm in the country. Initially, the thought of taking on UEFA by myself was a big task and I recognised we needed some help from the big boys in London. I pitched it to Tom Goodhead at a bar in Seattle after a conference. It has developed significantly since.

‘Our claim follows that UEFA held primary responsibility for the events which occurred on the day of the final. Fans were crushed, pepper sprayed and beaten by locals and police. UEFA have set up a scheme for a ticket refund which just doesn’t go far enough. It’s a bit like breaking your leg in a Spanish hotel and them offering you a free lunch. Unacceptable.

‘Our clients are suffering physical but mainly psychological trauma after what happened, and it is our case to secure proper compensation on their behalf. We also want to ensure something like this does not happen again and hold UEFA to account. We want to ensure that all the recommendations given by the independent panel are implemented in future events.’

Dealing with the media: ‘There has been a lot of attention globally following the final in May 2022. We have had some fantastic journalists cover the case like David Conn from the Guardian and Rachel Townsend who I did a TV interview with for ITV. I think I have always been okay with public speaking, so it came quite naturally! It helps when your partner firm Pogust Goodhead have a media team to assist with prep.’

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