London24NEWS

How Wembley’s night time of chaos was ‘spurred on’ by Russian vlogger

Wembley’s night of chaos appears to have been spurred on by a controversial Russian vlogger who offered pitch invaders £260,000 to disrupt the Champions League final.

Real Madrid extended their European dominance with a 15th Champions League title last night as they defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in London thanks to goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

But the flagship event was marred by ugly scenes before kick-off as some fans charged towards the iconic stadium and attempted to enter via the ‘Club Wembley’ entrance, before being pushed back and turned away by security.

Shortly after the final got underway, a series of pitch invaders then ran across the turf unchallenged, forcing a halt in play. One even managed to stop to take a selfie with Vinicius Jr, raising questions over the stadium’s £5million ‘ring of steel’.

The Metropolitan Police has insisted there was a ‘robust policing operation’ in place and revealed that 53 arrests were made – five for pitch invasion and the ‘majority of others’ for attempts to breach security.

The troublemakers were wearing T-shirts promoting ‘Mellstroy’, a scandalous Moscow-based vlogger who was previously convicted of violently abusing a model during a YouTube livestream.

Mellstroy, whose real name is Andrey Burim, posted a video on Telegram on February 29 in which he said: ‘If you run onto the field in the final of the Champions League with the Mellstroy logo on your body, you will receive 30,000,000 rubles [£260,000].’ 

Play was halted after invaders stormed the pitch in the first 30 seconds of the Champions League final at Wembley

Play was halted after invaders stormed the pitch in the first 30 seconds of the Champions League final at Wembley

A pitch invader managed to take a selfie with Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, who looked unimpressed

A pitch invader managed to take a selfie with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, who looked unimpressed

Mellstroy, whose real name is Andrey Burim, posted a video on Telegram on February 29 (pictured) in which he said: 'If you run onto the field in the final of the Champions League with the Mellstroy logo on your body, you will receive 30,000,000 rubles [£260,000].'

Mellstroy, whose real name is Andrey Burim, posted a video on Telegram on February 29 (pictured) in which he said: ‘If you run onto the field in the final of the Champions League with the Mellstroy logo on your body, you will receive 30,000,000 rubles [£260,000].’

Mellstroy with several wads of cash
Mellstroy with a gun

Mellstroy has three million followers on Instagram where he posts photos flaunting wads of cash and holding guns

Dortmund's Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer stops a pitch invader during the UEFA Champions League final

Dortmund’s Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer stops a pitch invader during the UEFA Champions League final

Burim has a history of violence and has previously posted photos on his Instagram of him with a gun slung over his shoulder.

In 2020, the Moscow-based streamer beat up a model, Alena Efremova, and smashed her head on to a table during a livestream to his then-680,000 YouTube subscribers. 

The attack left a traumatised Efremova with blood pouring from her mouth as well as sustaining other facial injuries. 

Burim was permanently banned from YouTube for his violence – having garnered more than 32.5million views for his abusive broadcasts.  

In 2021, a Moscow court found the streamer guilty of ‘an infliction of beatings crime’ and sentenced him to six months of corrective labour, as reported by the Russian Legal Information Agency.

Burim, branded a ‘trash-streamer’, also invited Kirill Zyryanov, a fellow controversial internet personality, to his luxury rented apartment to have drunken fights with other guests, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Burim has three million followers on Instagram, where he boasts of a jet-setting and provocative lifestyle – including dancing with scantily-clad women and flaunting wads of cash.

Reportedly born in Gomel, Belarus, in 1998, the 25-year-old started his streaming career in 2015 broadcasting videos of Minecraft, before progressing to the harder-edged content which saw his infamy skyrocket.

Burim reportedly offered the pitch invaders £260,000 to storm the turf of the Champions League final

Burim reportedly offered the pitch invaders £260,000 to storm the turf of the Champions League final 

'Mellstroy', real name Andrey Burin, has become notorious for his violent streams. In one, he left a model bloodied afetr smashing her head against a table and strangling her

‘Mellstroy’, real name Andrey Burin, has become notorious for his violent streams. In one, he left a model bloodied afetr smashing her head against a table and strangling her 

He has previously broadcast abusive scenes when he had 680,000 subscribers on YouTube

He has previously broadcast abusive scenes when he had 680,000 subscribers on YouTube 

Model Elena Efremova said that her brace had broken and 'there was a bloody mess of iron in my mouth, blood and pieces of torn skin' following the attack
Efremova said that her brace had broken and 'there was a bloody mess of iron in my mouth, blood and pieces of torn skin' following the attack

Model Alena Efremova said that her brace had broken and ‘there was a bloody mess of iron in my mouth, blood and pieces of torn skin’ following the attack

The Wembley final was halted within the opening minutes of play after a group of pitch invaders stormed the Wembley turf with  ‘Mellstroy’ printed on them.

Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer was forced to tackle one to the ground as Wembley’s security was breached yet again. 

These lapses came despite a £5million ring of steel defence being put in place by the Football Association to avoid a repeat of England’s Euro 2020 day of shame. 

That final – held in 2021 having been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic – saw ticketless fans storming the gates to gain access to the stadium.

Following the full-time whistle last night, exclusive footage obtained by MailOnline appeared to show fans streaming through a stadium side door as the trophy ceremony was well underway. 

Footage from outside Wembley showed a group of men – many whose faces were hidden under hoods – attempting to rush the entrances of the stadium, in scenes reminiscent of the 2021 events, albeit not on the same scale.

Some could be seen actually getting inside the Club Wembley entrance as they broke past security, but were quickly turned around.

As well as this, the video outside the stadium shows what appears to be men fighting on the ground.

A pitch invader wearing a Mellstroy shirt during the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London

A pitch invader wearing a Mellstroy shirt during the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London

Fans appear to push past security to re-enter the stadium following the full-time whistle as the Real Madrid players lifted the trophy

Fans appear to push past security to re-enter the stadium following the full-time whistle as the Real Madrid players lifted the trophy

Fans rush into Wembley stadium after the Champions League final ends. It's understood they wanted to get in for the trophy presentation

Fans rush into Wembley stadium after the Champions League final ends. It’s understood they wanted to get in for the trophy presentation 

Here is a look at some of the fans who rushed past security to make their way inside Wembley

Here is a look at some of the fans who rushed past security to make their way inside Wembley

Before kick off, fans were seen attempting to gain entry via a 'Club Wembley' entrance. Those who made it inside were quickly turned back and seen running away

Before kick off, fans were seen attempting to gain entry via a ‘Club Wembley’ entrance. Those who made it inside were quickly turned back and seen running away 

Police are seen arresting a man outside Wembley as clashes occurred outside the stadium

Police are seen arresting a man outside Wembley as clashes occurred outside the stadium 

To combat this, police mounted on horses rushed in as reinforcements with riot police also seen marching down the street to regain control.

There were chaotic scenes inside the stadium, too, when shortly after kick-off, Wembley Stadium security staff had to jump into action to remove two pitch invaders.

Another person then 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 the night. Police later said five pitch invaders had been arrested.

England's Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid lifts the trophy in celebration after the UEFA Champions League final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid at Wembley

England’s Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid lifts the trophy in celebration after the UEFA Champions League final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid at Wembley 

Jude Bellingham bites his winners medal as he walks past the UEFA Champions League Trophy

Jude Bellingham bites his winners medal as he walks past the UEFA Champions League Trophy

Los Blancos claimed a record-extending 15th Champions League

Los Blancos claimed a record-extending 15th Champions League

 

A £5million ring of steel defence was put in place to avoid a repeat of England's Euro 2020 day of shame. Nevertheless, groups of young men were seen attempting to storm the stadium

A £5million ring of steel defence was put in place to avoid a repeat of England’s Euro 2020 day of shame. Nevertheless, groups of young men were seen attempting to storm the stadium

Fans can be seen causing mayhem as they rush at security in a bid to enter the stadium

Fans can be seen causing mayhem as they rush at security in a bid to enter the stadium

Champions League pitch invaders stormed the pitch after being encouraged by a controversial Russian streamer

Champions League pitch invaders stormed the pitch after being encouraged by a controversial Russian streamer

As Saturday’s match go up to full speed, it appeared the security issues had subsided.

However, following the conclusion of the game – which saw Real Madrid clinch the 2024 Champions League title – another video appeared to show a large group of people running inside the stadium through a side door.

The video, shot from a distance, showed the trophy lift on one of Wembley’s big screens as what looked like dozens of people entered via the entrance.

The people were able to run past two security guards in yellow bibs before the door is finally slammed shut and the crowd of people still outside dispersed.

It was not immediately clear who this group was, or what they did when they got inside the stadium. 

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.

Real Madrid's players celebrate with the trophy after their triumph over Dortmund

Real Madrid’s players celebrate with the trophy after their triumph over Dortmund

Jude Bellingham could not believe it after winning his first Champions League title

Jude Bellingham could not believe it after winning his first Champions League title

Real Madrid wins their 15th UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid wins their 15th UEFA Champions League

Jude Bellingham celebrates with the UEFA Champions League Trophy after his team's victory

Jude Bellingham celebrates with the UEFA Champions League Trophy after his team’s victory

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois and Dani Carvajal celebrate with the trophy after winning the Champions League

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois and Dani Carvajal celebrate with the trophy after winning the Champions League

Jude Bellingham with his Mum Denise Bellingham after winning the UEFA Champions League

Jude Bellingham with his Mum Denise Bellingham after winning the UEFA Champions League

Jude Bellingham lifts the trophy during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid CF

Jude Bellingham lifts the trophy during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid CF

The Real Madrid team celebrate following their triumph, with Antonio Rudiger holding up Toni Kroos in what will be his final match

The Real Madrid team celebrate following their triumph, with Antonio Rudiger holding up Toni Kroos in what will be his final match

It is Champions League agony for Borussia Dortmund who conceded two second half goals

It is Champions League agony for Borussia Dortmund who conceded two second half goals

Devastated Dortmund fans pictured as they watch the match at the Hansaplatz stadium

Devastated Dortmund fans pictured as they watch the match at the Hansaplatz stadium

The German side dominated for large periods of the game but were unable to convert their chances

The German side dominated for large periods of the game but were unable to convert their chances

Vinicius Jr added a second for Los Blancos thanks to an assist from Bellingham

Vinicius Jr added a second for Los Blancos thanks to an assist from Bellingham

Real Madrid's Daniel Carvajal celebrates with the team after scoring the opening goal

Real Madrid’s Daniel Carvajal celebrates with the team after scoring the opening goal

Real Madrid's Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti is thrown in the air by his players as they celebrate after the UEFA Champions League final football match

Real Madrid’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti is thrown in the air by his players as they celebrate after the UEFA Champions League final football match

The idea was to avoid a repeat of the shameful scenes that marred the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy.

Wembley that night was a scene of drink and drug-fuelled chaos, with fans getting into fights and vandalising the surrounding area.

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 had been desperate to avoid.

In Paris in 2022, 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.

Last night, more than 2,500 security stewards have been deployed, the most Wembley has ever seen.

More than 2,000 police officers were also on duty on Saturday, policing protests as well as the Champions League final and related fan events, the Met Police said.

The £5million 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. 

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. 

Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands during the UEFA Champions League final. In front of him is Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

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

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

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

A large group of people can be seen in the video gathering before they make their rush inside

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

After video emerged online showing the chaos before the match, a Met Police spokesperson said: ‘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 tonight – five for pitch invasion and the majority of others for attempts to breach security.

‘Major sporting events often attract attempts by those without tickets to bypass perimeter fencing or otherwise gain entry. 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.

Mounted police officers outside the ground ahead of the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London

Mounted police officers outside the ground ahead of the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London

The Metropolitan Police have made 53 arrests around the Champions League final at Wembley, as some football fans tried to force their way into the stadium and others invaded the pitch

The Metropolitan Police have made 53 arrests around the Champions League final at Wembley, as some football fans tried to force their way into the stadium and others invaded the pitch

Police guides match-goers into Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Champions League final match of Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid, in London

Police guides match-goers into Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Champions League final match of Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid, in London

General view of police officers on horses outside Wembley Stadium before the match

General view of police officers on horses outside Wembley Stadium before the match

A line of police officers escort Dortmund supporters as they arrive for the Champions League final soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Wembley stadium

A line of police officers escort Dortmund supporters as they arrive for the Champions League final soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Wembley stadium

Police stand guard outside of Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Champions League final match

Police stand guard outside of Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA Champions League final match

Police took strict security measures around Wembley Stadium

Police took strict security measures around Wembley Stadium

Police officers block a road near the stadium after a group people tried to get into the ground without tickets ahead of the Champions League final football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid

Police officers block a road near the stadium after a group people tried to get into the ground without tickets ahead of the Champions League final football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid

Security was ramped up ahead of last night's Champions League final in London

Security was ramped up ahead of last night’s Champions League final in London

Police dogs outside the streets of Wembley are held by two policemen

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

Police officers on horses pictured as people attempt to get into Wembley Stadium before the match

Security was ramped up ahead of last night's final after the mayhem at Euro 2020

Security was ramped up ahead of last night’s final after the mayhem at Euro 2020

England fans cheered on their team outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020

England fans cheered on their team outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 

England fans knocked down the barriers outside of the stadium during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021

England fans knocked down the barriers outside of the stadium during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021 

England fans threw barriers outside Wembley Stadium during the 2021 match

England fans threw barriers outside Wembley Stadium during the 2021 match 

As England hosted Italy at their home of football, thousands of ticketless fans wreaked havoc

As England hosted Italy at their home of football, thousands of ticketless fans wreaked havoc 

‘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 be deal decisively with any criminality.’

The Met has not yet commented on the scenes after the final whistle.

Following the match, a white wall of Madrid fans at one end of the stadium serenaded their conquering heroes after goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior sealed the victory.

As for the football, a predictable result came in less than predictable circumstances after Dortmund dominated the chances in the first half.

‘It was a very difficult game, much more difficult than we had expected,’ Real Madrid’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the match.

‘We changed things because in the first half we were a bit lazy.’

Carvajal headed Madrid in front in the 74th minute and Vinicius doubled the Spanish giant’s lead nine minutes later.

Dortmund paid the price for not making the most of its first half superiority when Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pulled off a series of saves and Niclas Fullkrug hit the post. Madrid took full advantage after the break.

Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund reacts and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid looks on as Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid (not pictured) scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League

Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund reacts and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid looks on as Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League

Jude Bellingham of and Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund compete for the ball

Jude Bellingham of and Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund compete for the ball

Jude Bellingham  keeps the ball under the pressure from Nico Schlotterbeck during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid CF

Jude Bellingham  keeps the ball under the pressure from Nico Schlotterbeck during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid CF

Jude Bellingham and David Alaba of Real Madrid interact with former footballer, Gareth Bale following the team's victory

Jude Bellingham and David Alaba of Real Madrid interact with former footballer, Gareth Bale following the team’s victory

Carlo Ancelotti lifts the trophy to celebrate the victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match

Carlo Ancelotti lifts the trophy to celebrate the victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match

Jude Bellingham being interviewed with Jose Mourinho after the match

Jude Bellingham being interviewed with Jose Mourinho after the match

Carvajal met Kroos’ corner at the near post to power a header past Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.

Jude Bellingham nearly doubled the lead moments later, but then turned provider when slipping in Vinicius. With just Kobel to beat, Vinicius fired his shot into the far corner and raced off in celebration.

Vinicius was dancing after his goal killed off Dortmund hopes of pulling off one of the biggest Champions League upsets in recent memory.

Only a combination of Courtois and the frame of the goal kept the scores level at the break after the keeper twice kept Karim Adeyemi from scoring and then watched as Fullkrug’s sliding effort came back off the post.

The break clearly helped Madrid and it slowly took control in the second half.

Carvajal’s goal came straight from the training ground, with the defender heading over from one corner before eventually converting. Then Vinicius put beyond doubt another Champions League triumph for Madrid.