The highly anticipated 2024 UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium was disrupted when three intruders stormed the pitch shortly after kickoff. Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid's intense face-off was momentarily halted as the pitch invaders, all donning T-shirts emblazoned with the name of controversial Belarusian streamer Mellstroy, caused a delay of around three minutes. Despite the English FA investing £5 million to bolster security, it was clear that more measures were needed to prevent such incidents.
Marcel Sabitzer, Borussia Dortmund's midfielder, intervened to assist security in removing the intruders. Mellstroy, whose real name is Andrey Aleksandrovich Burim, had reportedly promised a substantial payout of 30 million rubles (equating to around 305,000 euros) to anyone who managed to disrupt the game wearing his branded T-shirt. Mellstroy has a history peppered with legal and social controversies, including accusations of refusing military service, insulting authorities in the UAE, and even assaulting a woman live on his stream.
The individuals involved were swiftly arrested, and authorities have stated they will take appropriate measures against them. A statement from the stadium's operator underlined the illegality of entering the pitch and assured that full cooperation would be extended to the authorities to deal with the intruders' actions.
Once the interruption was dealt with, the game resumed with Borussia Dortmund initially appearing to dominate. However, despite several missed opportunities, Real Madrid clinched the title with goals from Daniel Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior, securing their 15th European Cup with a 2-0 victory.
Mellstroy's promises of financial rewards have been questioned, given his dubious reputation. Previous participants in his challenges have accused him of failing to deliver the promised payments. The controversy surrounding the pitch invasion has raised significant concerns about security at high-profile events and the influence of online personalities like Mellstroy.
- Mellstroy has amassed a substantial following on social media platforms, boasting three million followers on Instagram alone. His notoriety is largely based on a series of provocative and often outrageous online challenges, which have brought him both fame and infamy.
- The Belarusian streamer’s latest stunt at the Champions League final mirrors previous incidents where he’s leveraged high-publicity events to boost his profile. However, such actions raise ethical questions and highlight the thin line between online entertainment and real-world impact.
- While security efforts at Wembley Stadium were notable, the breach underscores the persistent challenge event organizers face in ensuring the safety and integrity of large-scale sporting events. The involvement of a public figure like Mellstroy, notorious for his controversial past, adds another layer of complexity to maintaining strict security protocols.
