Fans rush Wembley security barriers at stadium before being chased by stewards ahead of England vs Italy
DRAMATIC scenes unfolded as over-excited football fans rushed the barriers at Wembley just hours before England’s clash with Italy.
Eager Three Lions supporters pushed past barricades as cops desperately tried to stop the wave of supporters.
Footage posted on social media showed a group of fans making a mad dash towards the security barriers and attempting to gain access to the stadium.
Some stadium staff claimed “hundreds” of supporters were involved in knocking down or climbing over perimeter fencing at about 5.30pm.
SunSport witnessed dozens of fans, including children, sprinting across the concourse at the lowest level of the stadium at the top of Wembley Way.
Police officers were called in to help find and eject the invaders.
Fan Gary Mason, a 23-year-old plasterer from Leytonstone, East London said: “It’s bedlam here.
“There are hundreds of fans without tickets trying the crash their way and police and security are struggling to cope.”
‘IT’S BEDLAM HERE’
Stewards at the stadium claimed that some of the fans who stormed the stadium did not have tickets.
A Wembley spokesperson admitted that a “small group of people got into the stadium” and would now be removed.
A statement said: “There was a breach of security and a small group of people got into the stadium.
“We are now working closely with stadium stewards and security to remove these people.
“Anyone inside the stadium without a ticket will be instantly ejected.”
Thousands of England and Italy fans had been enjoying a carnival atmosphere outside Wembley stadium ahead of the final.
Around 60,000 people have tickets for the match, with millions of more watching England’s first major final for 55 years at home.
A statement from UEFA given to beINS Sports read: “Fans have been jumping over barriers but there has been no access to the stadium so there is no concern any protocol has to come into place in which the stadium will be shut down and there is no concern the final will not go ahead.”
The Met Police tweeted: “We supported the security teams at Wembley Stadium a short time ago with this incident.”