In reaction to the catastrophe of the England and Italy Euro 2020 final, Wembley Stadium is stepping up security around the storied venue with a number of additional measures, including a 3.6 metre surrounding fence.
After 2,000 ticketless fans pushed their way into the stadium, an impartial enquiry dubbed the incident ‘a source of national shame’. The enquiry commissioned by the Football Association (FA) and led by Baroness Casey came to the conclusion that the horrifying image was caused by a “collective failure” of groups engaged in game planning.
At the entrance of Club Wembley, new fencing, a gated entryway, and enclosed roller shutters will be constructed – in order to prevent unauthorised or un-ticketed individuals from being able to force entry to the stadium from the Olympic Steps. This action is necessary as Wembley is a prestigious stadium and should not be associated with any controversy or catastrophes. Upgrading the stadium security will aim to ensure events such as what occurred at the Euro 2020 final does not take place again.
Wembley Stadium finished phase one of the renovations last year, which included sturdier locks on all perimeter doors and more secure turnstiles and accessible entries. More than 50 Hi-Resolution CCTV cameras were installed to a new command and control hub.
The following round of upgrades will begin in the fall. Once finished, an estimated $8.4 million will have been used to improve security surrounding the stadium.
“Wembley Stadium has a regular schedule of investment works to maintain industry leading facilities that attract world-class events. The latest planning approval enables us to implement the next phase of our security enhancements,” Stadium Director Liam Boylan stated via press release.
“This includes recommendations included in the Baroness Casey Review, and additional measures, which will ensure Wembley Stadium continues to be a safe and secure venue for all our guests.”
As is football in Australia, tickets were sold primarily online. Wembley should continue to do this as it is the most effective way of selling tickets, however more may need to be done in making it clear that tickets are sold out online to ensure fans are aware and do not become frustrated in anyway.
