Police nab 53 around Champions League final

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Police made 53 arrests around the Champions League final, primarily for attempts to enter the stadium without a ticket.

The Met Police reported that five individuals were arrested for invading the pitch.

Policing the final was part of a large-scale operation across London on Saturday, with over 2,000 officers on duty.

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

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

Following the final at Wembley, which Real Madrid won 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund, a Met spokesperson stated 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.

The rally led by set off from Victoria at around 13:00 BST and ended in Parliament Square just after 18:00 where Robinson, Reclaim leader Laurence Fox and others gave speeches and a film was shown.

On X, formerly Twitter, the Met said it was aware “a number of groups” had gathered in “pubs nearby and elsewhere in central London”, including people known to them for football violence.

The force later posted to say two people were arrested “in the vicinity of Parliament Square”, including one person who was arrested “for drunk and disorderly and assaulting an emergency worker”.

A third smaller demo unrelated to the other two also took place in central London.

Youth Demand said it wanted to take direct action to protest against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and said in public statements its members were intending to occupy roads and bridges.

The Met posted on X that protesters “went onto York Road, attempting to cause serious disruption by blocking traffic” despite being “subject to conditions not to leave the pavement”.

The police later reported that nine individuals had been detained for “breaching Public Order Act conditions not to leave the pavement,” adding that “the remainder of the group has largely dispersed.”

Meanwhile, officers attempted to curb a planned demonstration against the conflict in Gaza in the Finchley area by imposing restrictions under the Public Order Act.

The Met stated that if protesters gathered, they would be limited to a static demonstration at a location away from sites that might cause fear and concern to Jewish residents but still hold significance for the protest organizers.

“There is a significant difference between a protest that takes place in central London on a Saturday away from residential areas, and a protest that seeks to walk right through an area with a significant Jewish community. It is right that our policing response takes this into account,” Cdr Louise Puddefoot said.

A four-day family football festival is also continuing in parts of the capital throughout the weekend. This festival has been held at several central London sites, including Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Somerset House, the South Bank, and Potters Field Park, leading to road closures and changes to some bus routes and Cycleways. It is set to conclude on Sunday evening.

Earlier, public transport experienced some disruptions due to the Champions League final, with partial closures and severe delays contributing to congestion.

Among the numerous events taking place in London were rehearsals for Trooping the Colour on 15 June, celebrating the King’s official birthday.

Additionally, engineering work over the weekend means there are no direct train services between central London and Luton Airport, and no Elizabeth Line services between Paddington and Abbey Wood, as well as between Whitechapel and Stratford on Saturday.

TfL advised people to check their journey on its website for updates before they travel.