Real Madrid Celebrations Marred by Steward Complaints at Champions League Final
Real Madrid emerged victorious in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, securing their 15th title in the competition. However, the post-match celebrations were marred by complaints from some members of the Real Madrid staff about the “heavy-handed” stewarding at Wembley Stadium. According to reports, the stewards ruined the atmosphere and hindered the celebrations of the players, staff, and loved ones.
These complaints come in the wake of increased security measures at Wembley following the Euro 2020 final incident in 2021, where fans without tickets stormed the stadium. The Football Association (FA) has invested £5 million to enhance security at the national stadium. For the Champions League final, approximately 2,500 stewards were deployed at Wembley.
Despite the complaints, Real Madrid has not yet filed an official complaint regarding the stewarding. However, it raises concerns about the balance between maintaining security and allowing for memorable celebrations on such a grand stage.
The Metropolitan Police reported making 53 arrests during the game, with five of them being related to pitch invasions. Most of the others were for “attempting to breach security.” The police statement commended the efforts of officers, stewards, and stadium staff in preventing unauthorized access to Wembley. Videos circulating online showing groups running into entrances do not necessarily represent successful attempts to enter the stadium, as there are multiple levels of security beyond the initial entrance.
The evening got off to a chaotic start when three individuals entered the pitch wearing T-shirts with the name “Mellstroy,” which belongs to a controversial Russian blogger. Social media later claimed that Mellstroy had offered a £300,000 reward to anyone who ran onto the pitch wearing his name. The individuals were swiftly arrested, and Wembley Stadium condemned their actions, emphasizing that it is illegal to enter the field of play.
In a separate incident after the match, pundit Jamie Carragher was shooed away by a security guard while interviewing Real Madrid player Toni Kroos live on air. Carragher later made light of the incident on social media, posting a picture of the encounter. Despite the interruption, Kroos continued to answer Carragher’s questions, and the interview concluded naturally.
While security measures are crucial to ensure the safety of players, staff, and spectators, the complaints from Real Madrid staff highlight the need for a delicate balance. The challenge lies in maintaining a secure environment without compromising the celebratory atmosphere that should accompany such significant sporting achievements. Striking this balance will be vital to ensure that future finals are remembered for the right reasons.