Heavy police presence in London as protests heat up and Champions League final draws closer

Met Police officers are out in numbers as Tommy Robinson leads a controversial protest, counter-protesters react and football fans gear up for the Champions League final at Wembley.

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.

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“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.”