Champions League final disrupted by pitch invaders in major security failure | Champions League

Wembley officials were left embarrassed after three pitch invaders caused a delay to the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund despite the presence of more than 2,500 stewards as part of increased security measures.

An 18-month operation had been put in place in an attempt to avoid a repeat of violent scenes that marred the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, with a large police presence at Wembley and throughout London.

But while the buildup to kick-off passed without major incident, the game had to be halted barely 30 seconds after kick-off when three pitch invaders made it on to the turf, with one attempting to take a selfie with Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham before being bundled off.

Another who had eluded security for almost a minute was eventually apprehended with the help of the Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, with a fourth invader stopped before he could get over the barriers.

All four men were wearing T-shirts which appeared to bear the name of the Belarusian streamer Mellstroy on them. The 25-year-old was reported to have offered £300,000 to anyone who ran on to the pitch during the final with his name on their shirt.

The incident caused a two-minute delay to the match, with the UK broadcasters TNT Sports cutting away during their live coverage. An announcement at half-time reminded fans that entering the field of play was “an arrestable offence”.

After the serious disorder at the Euro 2020 final – and the 2022 Champions League final in Paris having been brought to the brink of disaster by organisational failures – officials had pledged an unprecedented security operation involving more than 2,500 stewards and a £5m investment in security infrastructure.

Speaking before lastSaturday night’s match, the FA’s tournaments, events and interim stadium director, Chris Bryant, had said: “It is vital we deliver and do every­thing we can control in the best ­possible way … We are in a really good place, we’ve been ­planning in detail for 18 months.”

A Wembley spokesperson said last night: “It is illegal to enter the field of play at Wembley, and we strongly condemn the actions of those who interrupted the 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.”