Fans have been promised they will have a “memorable” Champions League final experience for all the right reasons at Wembley – unlike many supporters who attended the “chaotic” Euro 2020 final at the same venue.
June’s upcoming final is the biggest men’s football match to be staged at Wembley since England were beaten on penalties by Italy, a match that was marred by violence and disorder that led to more than 80 arrests and left 19 police officers injured.
A Netflix documentary due to be released on Wednesday will show how organisers watched in dismay as thousands of fans circumvented security measures to break into the stadium, but the Football Association, the Metropolitan Police and Brent Council all claim lessons have been learned from the day.
“We have invested over £5m to further enhance the security measures at Wembley Stadium in order to protect the safety, enjoyment and experience for everyone,” a Wembley Stadium spokesperson told i.
“The safety and security of anyone coming to Wembley Stadium is of paramount importance, and we strongly condemn the unprecedented levels of public disorder that took place before and during the Euro 2020 final.
“This behaviour was dangerous, violent and unacceptable, and we thank our crowd safety teams for the vital role they played that day under very challenging circumstances.”
An enhanced control room with upgraded CCTV, improved ticket gates with a “double air-lock” system and additional magnetic locks on stadium doors will all be in action at the Champions League final as a direct result of what happened at the Euros.
A new three-metre high perimeter fence, the first recommendation of the independent review into the final, is understood to be “95 per cent complete” and will be in place for the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City on 25 May.
The Final: Attack on Wembley, released on Netflix on Wednesday morning, tells in forensic detail the story of “carnage and chaos” that unfolded outside the stadium in the hours before the final in July 2021. One senior member of Brent Council described it as “resembling a bit of a war zone” after organisers had to set up an impromptu field hospital.
But the council’s leader says that they have worked alongside the FA and the police to avoid future problems.
“Since that final in the summer of 2021, all partners involved have fully accepted and put into place Baroness Casey’s recommendations,” Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, told i.
“Wembley Stadium is one of the best in the world. It has hosted thousands of safe and successful events over the past 100 years and we look forward to seeing this iconic venue host many more in the future.”
Wembley was passed “match-fit” by Baroness Casey, who led the independent review into the events of 11 July three years ago, in November with “better communications” between agencies notably mentioned; although police were redeployed on the day, by the time they arrived at the stadium “a lot of those [crowd] problems and bad behaviours had already become established and taken hold”.
“Changes have been in operation at various matches held at Wembley following the Euro 2020 final and will continue in the build up to the Champions League final,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told i.
“It’s important to note the report also praised the bravery of officers who will again be deployed across London throughout the week to keep all those attending the Champions League final and wider events safe.
“These officers will ensure this is a memorable week for both football fans visiting the city and London’s communities.”
