Liverpool parade crash victims break silence months after Paul Doyle attack and raise painful questions about club support

The people hurt during Liverpool FC’s Premier League title parade crash have finally started speaking about what happened and how their lives changed after that day. Many of them say they are still dealing with pain, fear, and emotional stress.

Some also feel the club they have supported for years did not reach out to them. The crash happened on May 26 during the victory parade in Liverpool. A car driven by former Royal Marine Paul Doyle went into a crowd of celebrating fans. In December, a court sentenced Doyle to 21 years and six months in prison. Prosecutors said Doyle lost control of his anger and drove into the crowd on purpose. His car, a Ford Galaxy weighing nearly two tonnes, hit many people during the incident.

In just a few minutes, 134 people were injured. According to Merseyside Police, it was “pure luck” that nobody died that day. Now, many months later, some of the victims are sharing their stories publicly for the first time.

Stefan Dettlaf and Dean Townsend describe injuries, trauma and say Liverpool FC support felt missing

One of the victims, 73-year-old Stefan Dettlaf, suffered six broken ribs in the attack and spent several days in hospital. Speaking on 5 News at 5, he explained why he stayed silent for so long.“For months after the attack I could not talk about it,” Dettlaf said.

“Even now it brings everything back. I kept seeing faces in my head and hearing people telling me I would survive.”Dettlaf also said that during the court hearing he felt mixed emotions when he saw Doyle.“I owe him no sorrow or anything, but he looked like he was going through something,” he said. “Some people think he should have got an even longer sentence, and I understand that. But at the same time it was pure luck nobody died.”However, Dettlaf also said he was disappointed with the club he has supported for more than 60 years.“I believe Liverpool have let us down,” he said. “I did not expect anyone to visit me personally. But even a message asking how I was would have meant something. There was no offer of counselling from the club.”Another victim, Dean Townsend, shared a similar feeling. Townsend broke three ribs during the crash while attending the parade with his nephew.“I feel well and truly forgotten,” Townsend said.He explained that the incident has also affected his health. Townsend has epilepsy, and he said the situation became harder after the crash.“My problems have spiralled out of control,” he said. “I’m now in counselling twice a week. Only recently have I started feeling a bit better.”Meanwhile, Liverpool FC told 5 News that the club only received contact details for about 30 victims and was not allowed to reach others directly.

The club said police focused first on those with the most serious injuries and on children.According to the club, manager Arne Slot and some players reached out to several victims after the incident. Liverpool also said it continues to support anyone affected if their details are later shared with the club. The case remains one of the most shocking incidents during a football celebration in the city.