The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a member of Real Madrid's security staff has been charged with common assault following an incident at last weekend's Champions League final.
In total, the Metropolitan Police made 56 arrests around the showpiece event at Wembley, with a large proportion of those made for attempts to breach security – including five as a result of those who made it onto the pitch.
It has also been reported that a staff member at Real Madrid was arrested in the aftermath of Los Blancos' 2-0 win over Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening.
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The 52-year-old female resident of Madrid, who was in attendance to help the club’s security operation for the final, is alleged to have assaulted a steward during an altercation.
According to The Athletic, the altercation took place as stadium staff refused to let several family members of Real Madrid players onto the Wembley pitch to celebrate.
The woman involved was detained for a number of hours before being released pending further investigation.
On Monday, the 52-year-old was formally charged with common assault.
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She will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 18.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, meanwhile, has offered to help with the security worker’s legal support ahead of her court appearance.
As mentioned earlier, a total of 56 arrests were made around the Champions League final at Wembley, according to the Metropolitan Police, who have released the following statement.
“We are confident that the overwhelming majority of attempts to unlawfully gain access to Wembley on Saturday evening were unsuccessful thanks to the efforts of officers, stewards and other stadium staff," said a Met Police spokesperson.
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“Officers made 56 arrests – five for pitch invasion and the majority for attempts to breach security. Major sporting events often attract attempts by those without tickets to bypass perimeter fencing or otherwise gain entry. There was a robust policing operation in place to support the Wembley security plan and officers 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.”
The FA have also released a statement suggesting the security for last weekend's Champions League final was a success, despite the previously mentioned incidents.
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“Before and during last night’s UEFA Champions League final there were several incidents of groups of ticketless individuals trying to enter the stadium,” they said.
“Our enhanced security operations ensured that these incidents were dealt with robustly and swiftly. These attempts to get into the stadium without tickets were not successful and the new outer perimeter system at Wembley worked.
“We would like to thank the police and stewards for their assistance in deterring the mindless actions of a small minority. The vast majority of fans who attended the game had a great experience in the stadium and in London.”
SPORTbible have contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.
Topics: Real Madrid, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, La Liga
Jack Kenmare