More than 2,000 officers have been deployed across London, including more than 400 from outside the capital, to police the Champions League final, a protest by the far-right activist Tommy Robinson and a counter-demonstration.
The final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid takes place at Wembley on Saturday evening. And, earlier, a protest organised by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, more commonly known as Tommy Robinson, set off from the Victoria area on Saturday, ending in Parliament Square where speeches took place.
Police warned that among those expected to attend the event were groups from across the UK “with links to football disorder”.
A static counter-protest, organised by Stand up to Racism, took place in Whitehall. The police have imposed conditions on both protests requiring those taking part to remain in their allocated areas.
Officers were deployed in significant numbers to ensure those in Parliament Square and those in Whitehall do not come together.
The Met police said: “Officers have identified individuals within the crowd who have a history of being involved in violent disorder.
“A number have football banning orders and are associated with hooligan groups from London and across the UK. There is also an element of the crowd previously well known for involvement in anti-lockdown protests during the pandemic and associated disorder.
“While there have not been any offences so far, a number of people in the crowd are intoxicated. The event still has a number of hours left to go.”
A third, smaller protest, held by Youth Demand, is expected to take place on Saturday afternoon in protest against the conflict in Gaza. Organisers have stated their intentions to occupy roads and bridges.
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Cmdr Louise Puddefoot said of the conflicting protests: “When these groups have come together at previous protests we have regrettably seen violence directed at officers. This precedent unavoidably plays a part in shaping the policing approach, including the number and nature of resources allocated to police this particular protest.
“We also understand why the concern goes beyond the potential for officers to be targeted. For some in London, in particular our Muslim communities, comments made by those associated with this event will also cause fear and uncertainty. All Londoners have a right to feel and be safe in their city and we will take a zero tolerance approach to any racially or religiously motivated hate crime we become aware of.”
