Champions League final pitch invaders spend £300k on Russian blogger stunt

Wembley officials were left in disarray after pitch invaders caused the Champions League final to be delayed. Photo: Getty Images/Mark Atkins

Wembley suffered another major security breach at a major football match after three pitch invaders stopped Saturday's Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

< p>One man was able to run onto the pitch and approach Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior for a selfie, while two other fans, also wearing Mellstroy T-shirts, walked onto the Wembley turf.

The invader also ran up to Vinicius Junior (right) and was seen posing for a selfie with the Brazilian. Photo: Getty Images/Ryan Pearce

Mellstroy is the name of a Russian blogger who reportedly offered £300,000 to any fan who entered a pitch with his name.

Five people were arrested for pitch trespassing , a further 48 people were detained by police, and several videos emerged of groups attempting to gain unauthorized access to Wembley.

The embarrassing incidents occurred in the first minute of Saturday's televised final. worldwide and prompted TNT Sports to shut down its live broadcast while security intervened.

🚨Several pitch invaders in the first minute, including this idiot who ran the entire length and width of the pitch before being stopped!

Not a good look for Wembley security after Euro 2020 final fiasco #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/nZGWEsPCVO

— Neil Barker (@Mockneyrebel) June 1, 2024

One of the pitch invaders ran across the pitch, performed a Ronaldo-style Sioux celebration, and then raced down the touchline and back onto the pitch before being stopped.

One of the invaders flew into space and copied Ronaldo's iconic phrase «siu&#39»; Holiday Photo: Getty Images/Ian McNicol

The man in the black T-shirt was able to stand for several seconds next to Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham, who were both unresponsive. He then left the field before the stewards could reach him.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer took matters into his own hands after the match was delayed for more than a minute and joined the stewards to grab one ball. the invader himself.

Marcel Sabitzer tackles a pitch invader shortly after the start of the Champions League final. Photo: AP/Kim Cheung Sabitzer assists security personnel as they stop a field invader. Photo: Getty Images/Lars Baron

The incidents occurred despite Wembley and UEFA carrying out the biggest security operation in the stadium's history to avoid a repeat of the horrific scenes that marred the Euro 2020 final.

Match The match between England and Italy also took place at Wembley three years ago, and saw numerous ticketless fans force their way past stewards and security to enter the stadium. There was also significant disorder in and around Wembley during the day.

Around £5 million was subsequently spent on improving the safety and security infrastructure at Wembley, which included reinforced doors and new fences, as well as increased use of CCTV cameras stewards.

In the chaos of the Champions League, police made 53 arrests.

More than 2,500 stewards were hired for Saturday's match — the most in Wembley's history — and a major police operation was also carried out.

Wembley is preparing for Saturday's final by testing measures at games this season, including the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United last weekend.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We are confident that the vast majority of attempts to gain illegal access to Wembley this evening were unsuccessful due to the efforts of officers , stewards and other stadium staff.

“The officers were successful.” Fifty-three people were arrested at Wembley this evening: five for pitch trespass and most of the rest for attempting to breach security.

“Major sporting events often result in attempts by non-ticketed individuals to bypass the perimeter fence or otherwise enter the area. There is a strong police operation to support Wembley's security plan and officers are working closely with stewards and stadium staff to ensure security throughout.

“Videos posted online showing groups running towards inputs are not necessarily successful. attempts to enter the stadium. There are usually several additional layers of security beyond the initial entrance.

“Officers remain in the area outside the stadium and will deal vigorously with any crime.”

Wembley said before the stadium match that after After 18 months of planning, it was «vitally important» that the event be carried out in the best possible way.

After the incidents, a spokesman said: «It is illegal to enter the playing field at Wembley and we strongly condemn the actions of those who interrupted the final shortly after it began .  All individuals are currently under arrest and we will support the relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken.»

The previous two Champions League finals, held in Paris and Istanbul respectively, were plagued by security issues and then with transport.