An outdoor screening of the Champions League final turned into a frightening ‘free-for-all’ due to inadequate security, it has been claimed.
The University of York students union (YUSU) put the game between Manchester City and Chelsea on a big screen at one of their outdoor bars.
Live screenings of both the FA Cup Final and Eurovision had previously taken place at the Lakeside Tap, the new outdoor space created at the centre of the Heslington campus.
But the gathering to watch Chelsea’s victory in the Estádio do Dragão in Porto got out of hand, according to witnesses.
“They didn’t adequately plan for or provide enough security for the event,” a witness told YorkMix.
“It became a free for all, Covid breaches everywhere, lots of smashed bottles.
“Lots of people felt scared.”
A YUSU spokesperson said: “YUSU has taken a considered approach to offering new outdoor venues this term on campus.
“Our objective is to provide safe, fun spaces and in turn relieve the pressure on a busy city centre.
“We are working closely with university security to ensure that any students who misuse licensed or unlicensed spaces on campus are dealt with appropriately.
“The safety of all our students and staff is and always will be our priority. For all remaining events there will be an increased security presence and further restrictions in place.”
