- Most arrests near Champions League final for ticketless entry
- Police apprehended five individuals for pitch invasions
- Tommy Robinson led a large protest; two arrested
Most of the 53 arrests made by the police near the Champions League final were for attempting to enter the stadium without a ticket.
Five individuals were apprehended for breaching the pitch, according to the Metropolitan Police.
It was part of a significant police operation throughout London on Saturday, with over 2,000 officers on duty to police the final.
Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist, organized a protest and a counter-demo earlier in the day, attended by thousands of individuals. According to the police, two individuals were apprehended near Parliament Square, where the protest concluded.
A separate protest in London resulted in the detention of nine pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department stated that they were “confident” that most attempts to enter the stadium were ineffective following the Wembley final, in which Real Madrid won 2-0 against the German team Borussia Dortmund.
The spokesperson stated that videos posted online that depict groups sprinting into entrances do not necessarily indicate successful attempts to enter the stadium.
In addition to the initial entrance, there are typically numerous additional security measures.
The game on Saturday had only just begun when it was interrupted by pitch invaders who approached several players.
The Met spokesperson stated, “Attempts by individuals without tickets to circumvent perimeter fencing or otherwise gain entry are not uncommon at major sporting events.” A robust policing operation supports the Wembley security plan, and officers have collaborated closely with stewards and stadium personnel to ensure security is maintained.
Robinson, whose actual name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, organized the march and rally, which thousands of individuals attended earlier on Saturday. According to the police, the rally comprised organizations from across the United Kingdom associated with football disorder.
The rally, Robinson led, concluded in Parliament Square shortly after 18:00 BST. Robinson, Reclaim leader Laurence Fox, and other speakers delivered speeches, and a film was screened. The rally departed from Victoria at approximately 13:00 BST.
The Metropolitan Police Department (Met) acknowledged that “several groups” had convened in “pubs nearby and elsewhere in central London,” including individuals who were recognized for their involvement in football violence, on X, which was previously known as Twitter.
Subsequently, the force announced that two individuals were apprehended “in the vicinity of Parliament Square,” with one individual being arrested for “assaulting an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly.”
A third, lesser demonstration unrelated to the other two in central London also occurred.
Youth Demand stated that it intended to engage in direct action to protest the ongoing conflict in Gaza and that its members designed to occupy roads and bridges, according to public statements.
Despite being “subject to conditions not to leave the pavement,” demonstrators “went onto York Road, attempting to cause serious disruption by blocking traffic,” according to a post on X by the Met.
The force subsequently announced that nine individuals had been detained for “breaching Public Order Act conditions not to leave the pavement.” It also stated that the remaining members of the group had dispersed significantly.
In the meantime, officers attempted to prevent a planned demonstration in the Finchley area to protest the conflict in Gaza by enforcing restrictions under the Public Order Act.
The Met has stated that protesters would be limited to a static demonstration at a location that is not near sites that may cause fear and concern to Jewish residents if they congregate. However, this is still a significant issue for the protest organizers.
“There is a substantial distinction between a protest conducted in central London on a Saturday, away from residential areas, and a protest that aims to traverse an area with a substantial Jewish population.” Cdr Louise Puddefoot stated, “It is appropriate that our policing response considers this.”
Parts of the capital also host a four-day family football festival that will continue throughout the weekend.
“Unlock your financial potential with free Webull shares in the UK.”
It has occurred at numerous central London locations, such as Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Somerset House, the South Bank, and Potters Field Park. Road closures have been implemented, and specific transport routes and cycleways have been changed.
It is scheduled to conclude on Sunday evening.
Prior to the Champions League final, some public transportation disruptions occurred, including partial closures and significant delays that exacerbated congestion.
Rehearsals for Trooping the Colour on June 15, the King’s official birthday, were sandwiched between the numerous festivities occurring in London.
Additionally, there will be no direct train services between central London and Luton Airport and no Elizabeth Line services between Paddington and Abbey Wood and between Whitechapel and Stratford on Saturday due to engineering work that will be underway.
Before embarking on a voyage, TfL advised individuals to consult its website for updates.
