Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Security ramped up at Wembley for UCL final

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Saturday, 01 June 2024 12:11

Wembley Stadium has significantly beefed up its security operation for the Champions League final on Saturday, with organisers intent on avoiding a repeat of the lawlessness that tarnished the Euro 2020 showpiece.

Real Madrid face Borussia Dortmund at England's national stadium, where three years ago 2,000 ticketless England fans violently stormed past stewards to get inside to watch their men's national team play Italy in the European Championship final.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

The past two Champions League finals have also been marred by problems. UEFA was primarily blamed for security failures in 2022 in Paris when Liverpool and Madrid fans were held in crushed queues. Last year, fans complained of transportation problems accessing the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey where Manchester City beat Inter Milan.

Saturday's final will feature the largest deployment of stewards -- 2,500 -- in Wembley Stadium history and follows 5 million ($6.3m) of security upgrades including new gates and perimeter fencing, improved locks on doors, and an internal control room to better monitor fan behavior. Stewards will also be wearing body cams.

The Metropolitan Police will have 2,000 officers -- including 400 from police forces outside the city -- on duty across London. Besides the final, police will be on hand at fan events downtown as well as for unrelated protests.

"We want fans visiting London for this fantastic event to have a safe and enjoyable experience," police commander Louise Puddefoot said. "There will be a visible police and stewarding presence not just around Wembley but at fan zones and other events."

Dortmund fans have a dedicated zone at Hyde Park; Madrid fans at Victoria Embankment. Each team was allotted 25,000 tickets.

Fans will be allowed to enter the stadium four hours before kickoff -- rather than the usual two hours.

"We've learned lessons and additional measures have been implemented," Chris Bryant, the director of tournaments and events for the English Football Association, said of the Euro 2020 chaos.

An investigation into the disorder found that an estimated 6,000 ticketless and alcohol-fueled fans "recklessly endangered lives" outside the stadium. A portion of them forced their way through disabled access entrances by punching and kicking stewards before England lost to Italy.

Read 160 times

Soccer

Szczesny on smoking: Don't follow my example

Szczesny on smoking: Don't follow my example

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny told ESPN he has lost his ba...

Barcelona's Szczesny: Outspoken, unorthodox, on course for his best-ever season

Barcelona's Szczesny: Outspoken, unorthodox, on course for his best-ever season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBARCELONA -- Wojciech Szczesny wouldn't have believed you if you'd...

Source: Bayern's Müller rejects Cincinnati offer

Source: Bayern's Müller rejects Cincinnati offer

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBayern Munich midfielder/forward Thomas Müller has rejected a contr...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Tatum doubtful for Game 3, wrist bruise 'severe'

Tatum doubtful for Game 3, wrist bruise 'severe'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJayson Tatum remains listed as doubtful for the Boston Celtics, mea...

Kobe debut Lakers jersey sells for record $7M

Kobe debut Lakers jersey sells for record $7M

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA jersey photo-matched to seven games in Kobe Bryant's 1996-97 rook...

Baseball

Rays lose rookie OF Mangum to strained groin

Rays lose rookie OF Mangum to strained groin

EmailPrintPHOENIX -- The Tampa Bay Rays placed rookie outfielder Jake Mangum on the 10-day injured l...

Mets' McNeil back from season-opening IL stint

Mets' McNeil back from season-opening IL stint

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe New York Mets activated former batting champion Jeff McNeil fro...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated