Fans have rushed past security guards and forced their way inside Wembley Stadium ahead of the Champions League final tonight between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Shocking footage shows a large group of people jumping over fences and pushing through ticket stalls at the iconic London stadium. It comes despite a £5million ring of steel defence which was put in place to avoid a repeat of England's Euro 2020 day of shame. To add to the mayhem, a series of pitch invaders were also seen running across the turf unchallenged after kick-off. One of the people who ran on to the pitch stopped to take a selfie with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. Here is a look at some of the fans who rushed past security to make their way inside Wembley A £5million ring of steel defence was put in place to avoid a repeat of England's Euro 2020 day of shame Fans can be seen causing mayhem as they rush past security in a bid to enter the stadium Another look at the mad rush caused by fans as they push through the ticket stalls at the Club Wembley main entrance Two invaders were quickly removed by Wembley Stadium security staff, but then another person ran onto field to the visible annoyance of some players. It took four security staff to apprehend the last invader, marking a shaky start to tonight's huge match. Footage shows a group of hooded men attempting to rush the entrances of the stadium. Some can be seen actually getting inside the Club Wembley entrance as they break past security. As well as this, the video outside the stadium shows what appears to be fans fighting on the ground. To combat this, police mounted on horses rush in as reinforcements with riot police also seen marching down the street. In today's match Madrid are aiming to win a record-extending 15th European Cup, while Borussia Dortmund are going for its second Champions League title. Before kick-off it was revealed that the Football Association had pumped £5million into the security operation at Wembley, with a 'ring of steel' involving thousands of stewards and enhanced ticket checks. It was designed to be the largest security operation in the stadium's history. Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands during the UEFA Champions League final. In front of him is Mayor of London Sadiq Khan Dortmund fans rush through ticket checks ahead of the Champions League Final Extra policing and security, as well as no alcohol ban signs (in multiple languages) around the stadium are in place for crowd safety A large group of people can be seen in the video gathering before they make their rush inside Security was ramped up ahead of tonight's Champions League final in London The idea was to avoid a repeat of the shameful scenes that marred the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, with fans who didn't have tickets storming the stands. Wembley that night was a scene of drink and drug-fuelled chaos, getting into fights. The previous two Champions League finals, in Paris and Istanbul, were also overshadowed by major logistical problems outside the stadiums leading to chaotic and dangerous scenes - something the FA have been desperate to avoid. In Paris, crowd control descended into chaos at the Stade de France as a large build-up of fans were unable to gain access in time for kick-off. Tonight, more than 2,500 security stewards have been deployed, the most Wembley has ever seen. The investment has been used to solidify the stadium’s security infrastructure, including the increasing the strength of all Wembley’s doors with additional magnetic lock systems to ensure there is no repeat of people successfully ripping them of their hinges. Police dogs outside the streets of Wembley are held by two policemen Police officers on horses pictured as people attempt to get into Wembley Stadium before the match Security was ramped up ahead of tonight's final after the mayhem at Euro 2020 Additional fences and gates have been delivered throughout Wembley’s parameters, while the area underneath the iconic Olympic steps has been significantly bolstered since the Euros final. A significant part of the money has been spent on improving CCTV in and around Wembley, while a second security control room big enough to house around 18 officers has been opened with the specific remit of monitoring events outside the stadium’s perimeter, including tube stations and local pubs. The FA have also invested in providing additional body cameras for event stewards. One of the criticisms of the security operation for the Euro 2020 final was the apprehensive approach from sections of the stewarding staff that day, although many have since insisted they did not have the level of expertise to handle the sort of intoxicated fan that arrive at Wembley intent on causing trouble. But the FA insist they have since improved their training and vetting strategies regarding steward selection for Wembley events. There is also a sense that the selection pool of stewards for the Euros in 2020 was lower due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
