Wembley issue statement as £300k 'challenge' explains why pitch invaders halted Champions League final

Wembley have issued an official statement after three pitch invaders made it onto the pitch within 30 seconds of the Champions League final.

On Saturday night, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid went head-to-head at the home of English football as Wembley hosted the Champions League final.

However, within one minute the match had to be stopped after three pitch invaders made it onto the pitch.

One was seen trying to take a picture with Madrid star Jude Bellingham in the middle of the pitch.

Another was caught on camera recreating Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark SIU celebration.

As reported by Football London, a social media influencer called Mellstroy offered his followers a prize of $350,000 to run onto the Wembley pitch wearing a T-shirt with his name on it.

The report stated: “A number of people in white t-shirts, which read 'MELLSTROY' on the front, stormed the European stage with $350,000 reportedly on offer from the internet star for the first person to get onto the Wembley turf. Mellstroy broadcasts on a streaming platform called Kick, where he has 470,700 followers.”

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In response to the incident, a statement from Wembley 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.”

German side Dortmund dominated the first half but failed to take any of their chances.

In the second period, Madrid came out looking to get ahead and with 74 minutes on the clock, defender Dani Carvajal nodded in from a Toni Kroos corner to give Carlo Ancelotti's men a vital 1-0 lead.

Nine minutes later, Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior doubled Madrid's lead after a mistake by Dortmund's Ian Maatsen.

Eventually, Los Blancos held on to win 2-0 and clinched their 15th European crown.