MAD ABOUT IT
Real Madrid staff fume at ‘heavy-handed’ Wembley stewarding as stars’ families are blocked from joining them after win
Jamie Carragher was involved in a run-in with a steward after the match
REAL MADRID staff have complained about "heavy-handed" stewarding during Saturday night's Champions League final.
Carlo Ancelotti's side defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley to lift their 15th Champions League.
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The final whistle prompted wild celebrations from Real Madrid players, staff and loved ones.
Family and friends of the victorious players with special wristbands were allowed to enter the pitch after the trophy lift.
According to The Times, some members of Los Blancos' staff complained that the Wembley stewards ruined the post-match celebrations.
At this stage, Real Madrid themselves have not filed an official complaint.
Since fans without tickets stormed Wembley for the Euro 2020 final in 2021, the FA have committed to beefing up security at the national stadium - investing £5million in doing so.
For Saturday night's showdown, 2,500 stewards were on duty at Wembley.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they made 53 arrests at the game.
Five of those were for pitch invasions, while most of the others were for "attempting to breach security".
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A Metropolitan Police statement read: "We are confident that the overwhelming majority of attempts to unlawfully gain access to Wembley this evening were unsuccessful thanks to the efforts of officers, stewards and other stadium staff.
"Officers have made 53 arrests at Wembley - five for pitch invasion and the majority of others for attempts to breach security.
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"There is a robust policing operation in place to support the Wembley security plan and officers have worked closely with stewards and stadium staff to maintain security throughout.
"Videos shared online showing groups running into entrances do not necessarily represent successful attempts to enter the stadium.
"There are typically multiple further levels of security beyond an initial entrance.
"Officers remain in the area outside the stadium and will deal decisively with any criminality."
Play was stopped after just 30 seconds as three figures entered the pitch.
Each wore T-shirts reading "Mellstroy" - the name of a controversial Russian blogger.
It was later claimed on social media that Mellstroy had offered £300,000 to anyone who ran on the pitch wearing his name.
A stadium spokesperson said: "It is illegal to enter the field of play at Wembley Stadium, and we strongly condemn the actions of those who interrupted the Uefa Champions League final shortly after kick-off.
"All of the individuals have now been arrested. We will support the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken."
After the match, pundit Jamie Carragher was shooed away by a security guard while interviewing Toni Kroos live on air.
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The former Liverpool star made light of the incident by posting a picture of the bizarre incident on social media.
Kroos continued to answer Carragher's question, with the interview then coming to its natural conclusion despite the interruption.
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