A significant police presence was observed at Wembley during Saturday's Champions League final. Authorities made 53 arrests, mainly for attempts to enter the
stadium without tickets.
The Metropolitan Police reported that five individuals were detained for pitch invasions. The policing of the final was part of a larger operation across London, with over 2,000 officers deployed.
Earlier in the day, thousands participated in a protest led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, along with a counter-demonstration. Police reported two arrests near Parliament Square, where the protest concluded. In a separate event, nine pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested.
After the final, in which Real Madrid triumphed 2-0 over Borussia Dortmund, a Met spokesperson expressed confidence that most attempts to breach stadium security were thwarted. "Videos showing groups running into entrances do not necessarily represent successful entries," the spokesperson stated. "There are typically multiple levels of security beyond the initial entrance."
The match saw disruptions early on, with pitch invaders approaching some players. The Met emphasized that major sporting events often attract attempts to bypass security, but a robust operation was in place to support Wembley’s security plan, working closely with stewards and stadium staff.
Protests and Arrests in London
Robinson's protest, which included groups linked to football disorder, started from Victoria and ended in Parliament Square with speeches from Robinson and others. The Met noted that several known groups gathered in central London pubs, resulting in two arrests near Parliament Square, including one for drunk and disorderly conduct and assaulting an emergency worker.
Simultaneously, around 300 people attended a counter-protest organized by Stand Up To Racism in Whitehall. Officers were deployed in significant numbers to prevent clashes between the groups.
A third demonstration by Youth Demand aimed at protesting the conflict in Gaza saw nine arrests for breaching Public Order Act conditions. Protesters attempted to block traffic on York Road despite restrictions to remain on the pavement. The Met managed to disperse the remaining group.
Additional Events and Disruptions
Authorities imposed restrictions on a planned Gaza conflict protest in Finchley to prevent fear and concern in the Jewish community, directing protesters to a location of importance to the organizers but away from residential areas.
A four-day family football festival continues in central London, with activities in locations like Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, and the South Bank, causing road closures and changes to bus routes and Cycleways.
Earlier, public transport disruptions occurred due to the final, including part-closures and severe delays. Engineering work over the weekend also affected travel, with 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. TfL advised travelers to check updates before their journeys. Photo by DulcieLee, Wikimedia commons.