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Wembley Stadium has released a statement confirming that 51 arrests were made across the FA Cup semi-final weekend, including one fan arrested for harming a police horse.
Supporters of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Coventry all traveled to England’s national ground to cheer on their team in the hopes of reaching a cup final. While the two Manchester clubs advanced to the tournament’s final on May 25, the games were somewhat marred by scenes inside and outside the ground with the Metropolitan Police confirming many arrests.
Nearly half of the 51 arrests were related to pyrotechnics, tailgating, and hate crimes, while more than a fifth were for drug-related offenses. The arrests come as Wembley prepares to host the Champions League final, the first major European showpiece since Euro 2020.
An independent review commissioned by the Football Association claimed that disorder at the final between England and Italy was a “source of national shame” and could have led to “fatalities”. A statement confirming details about the arrests over the FA Cup semi-final weekend read: “The police made 28 arrests at Chelsea v Manchester City on Saturday, and a further 23 arrests at the Coventry City v Manchester United game the following day.”
Just under half of all arrests were for matters linked to pyrotechnics, tailgating, and hate crimes, including two individuals arrested for tragedy chanting and homophobic abuse. More than a fifth of the total arrests were for drug-related offenses.
Six of the arrests were violence-related, involving three assaults on emergency workers. Metropolitan Police superintendent Gerry Parker, who will be match commander for both the FA Cup and Champions League finals, added: “Our stance has been robust throughout the season, there is no tolerance for drug use, assaults, or hate crimes.
We know the overwhelming majority of football fans at matches are law-abiding, and our officers will be there to deal with any supporters identified for committing offenses inside and in the vicinity of the stadium.” “We are working closely with Wembley, the FA, and UEFA in preparation for the FA Cup and Champions League finals to ensure the safety of everyone attending.”