Police have confirmed they made more than 50 arrests at the Champions League final after numerous “attempts to breach security” including pitch invaders entering the field and forcing the game to be halted after just a minute of play.
The game between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium had barely begun when three spectators evaded security to get on to the pitch.
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The supporters appeared to seek photographs with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham of Real before being taken from the field with security — and players including Dortmund’s Marcel Sabitzer — stepping in.
A fourth attempted to join the three on the field but was stopped from doing so by stewards.
The match was then restarted after a short disruption of around two minutes with the stadium announcer later warning fans that entering the field of play was an arrestable offence.
A Wembley Stadium spokesperson said: “It is illegal to enter the field of play at Wembley Stadium, and we strongly condemn the actions of those who interrupted the UEFA Champions League Final shortly after kick-off.
“All of the individuals have now been arrested. We will support the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.”
The Metropolitan Police later confirmed officers had made 53 arrests including five for the pitch invasion and “the majority of others for attempts to breach security.”
Commander Louise Puddefoot said: “We are confident that the overwhelming majority of attempts to unlawfully gain access to Wembley this evening were unsuccessful thanks to the efforts of officers, stewards and other stadium staff.
“Officers have made 53 arrests at Wembley — five for pitch invasion and the majority of others for attempts to breach security.
“Major sporting events often attract attempts by those without tickets to bypass perimeter fencing or otherwise gain entry.
“There is a robust policing operation in place to support the Wembley security plan and officers have worked closely with stewards and stadium staff to maintain security throughout.
“Videos shared online showing groups running into entrances do not necessarily represent successful attempts to enter the stadium. There are typically multiple further levels of security beyond an initial entrance.
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“Officers remain in the area outside the stadium and will deal decisively with any criminality.”
The security for European football’s showpiece game has been under increased scrutiny following problems for fans at the last two finals, in Paris in 2022, and last year in Istanbul.
The final of Euro 2020 — at the same venue as Saturday night’s game — was marred by mass disorder from supporters for the match between England and Italy which saw a number of fans enter the stadium without tickets.
It is not the first time a Champions League final has been disrupted in such fashion — the 2019 final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid also had to be stopped after a fan entered the field.
(Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)