Police Arrest 53 At CL Final

 

Police made 53 arrests around the Champions League (CL) final, mainly for attempts to get into the ground without a ticket.

The Met Police said five people were arrested for invading the pitch.

Policing the final was part of a major police operation across London on Saturday, with more than 2,000 officers on duty.

Earlier in the day, thousands of people attended a protest organised by the far-right activist Tommy Robinson, as well as a counter-demo. Police said two people were arrested near Parliament Square where the protest ended.

At a separate London protest, nine pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested.

After the Wembley final, which Real Madrid won 2-0 against the German side Borussia Dortmund, a spokesperson for the Met said they were “confident the overwhelming majority” of attempts to enter the stadium were unsuccessful.

“Videos shared online showing groups running into entrances do not necessarily represent successful attempts to enter the stadium,” the spokesperson said.

“There are typically multiple further levels of security beyond an initial entrance.”

Saturday’s game had only just kicked off when play was disrupted, with pitch invaders approaching some of the players.

The Met spokesperson added: “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.”

Earlier on Saturday, thousands of people attended the march and rally organised by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon. According to police, they included groups from across the UK linked to football disorder.