More than 2,000 police officers are on duty across London today to monitor fan events ahead of the Champions League final at Wembley, as well as at several protests.

It’s a busy day for Met Police officers as they keep an eye on Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid supporters ahead of 8pm kick off, while a protest led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson goes on at Parliament Square.

There is also a counter-protest being led by Stand Up To Racism at Whitehall. The Robinson-led protest began at 1pm and the counter-protest at midday.

Both protests are ongoing and police have set up a “buffer zone” between Parliament Square, where Robinson and his supporters have been making speeches, and Downing Street, where the counter protesters are.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, says he is protesting what he refers to as “two-tier policing,” while Stand Up To Racism counter-protesters say they are campaigning against what they deem to be “racism and Islamophobia”.

Met Police say they have identified individuals in the crowd at Robinson’s protest who “have a history of being involved in violent disorder”.

In an update on X on Saturday afternoon, they added: “A number have football banning orders and are associated with hooligan groups from London and across the UK.

Vinicius Jr: Brazil and Real Madrid forward breaks down in tears over racist abuse endured in Spain

Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid after 14 years at the Spanish club

Vinicius Jr racist abuse: Valencia to appeal against five-game stand closure as Real Madrid player has red card overturned

Read more:
Pop band behind Blair’s 1997 anthem bans Starmer from using it
Conservatives pledge £20m each for 30 towns

“There is also an element of the crowd previously well known for involvement in anti-lockdown protests during the pandemic and associated disorder.

“While there have not been any offences so far, a number of people in the crowd are intoxicated. The event still has a number of hours left to go.”

Met Police also said a number of people at a smaller protest in Waterloo had been arrested after attempting to block traffic. The Youth Demand protesters were demonstrating against Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza.

The Met has vowed its officers’ presence will continue to be felt into the evening, when Europe’s biggest club competition reaches its conclusion.

T/Commander Louise Puddefoot, who is leading this weekend’s policing operation, said: “We want fans visiting London for this fantastic event to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

“There will be a visible police and stewarding presence not just around Wembley but at fan zones and other events.

“Anyone who sees anything suspicious or who has concerns about safety or security should speak to an officer or a member of the stewarding team.”

Related posts:

Porter: ‘I talk to COVID patients, then they’re not there, that’s extremely hard to deal with’ Rugby pundit sacked by Irish paper after ‘racist’ remark aimed at Lions star Marcus Smith Storm Arwen: Thousands left ‘exhausted’ as they endure fifth day without power England Women humiliate Latvia 20-0 on record-breaking night for Lionesses and Ellen White Gay rights activist’s appeal in long-running cake dispute ruled ‘inadmissible’ MP Margaret Ferrier to stand trial accused of visiting salon, leisure centre and church while having COVID symptoms COVID epicentre moves from London to North West and more older people being hospitalised NI Assembly fails to elect new speaker after DUP leader blocks formation of government Boy, 12, who suffered brain damage should have test to establish if he is dead, High Court rules Child psychiatrist ‘did not sleep well’ after viewing online content seen by Molly Russell Blackpool Tower on fire Three men die after becoming trapped in 4×4 in Yorkshire river