Legendary commentator Martin Tyler was gutted by the pitch invader antics that marred the start of the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (AEST).
The clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in London had barely kicked off before it was halted because of the pitch invaders, with one even taking a selfie with Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
Madrid won 2-0 for a record extending 15th European title.
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Marcel Sabitzer of Borussia Dortmund assists members of security as they stop a pitch invader. Getty
Two invaders were quickly removed by Wembley security, but then another person ran onto the field to the visible annoyance of players.
It took four security staff to apprehend the last invader.
“From an English point of view, very disappointed with the way the game started,” Tyler said on Stan Sport.
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A pitch invader attempts to take a selfie on a mobile phone with Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. Getty
“There have been a lot of issues about getting Wembley secure after the 2021 (Euro) final here, which was horrendous behaviour on the night. And there we have within two minutes, four people running on the pitch. We’ll hear more on that.”
Wembley had significantly beefed up its security operation for the final, intent on avoiding a repeat of the lawlessness that tarnished the Euro showpiece.
Three years ago 2000 ticketless English fans violently stormed past stewards to get inside to watch their team play Italy in the final.
Stan Sport’s Mark Pougatch – who was at the venue – described it as a “nightmare” for the famed stadium.
As play resumed, Vinicius doubled Madrid’s lead in the 83rd minute, nine minutes after Dani Carvajal headed the Spanish giant in front.
Victory sealed a record extending fifth Champions League title for manager Carlo Ancelotti, his third with Madrid.
Meanwhile Carvajal, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Nacho have won European club football’s biggest prize on six occasions to equal the benchmark set by Madrid icon Paco Gento.
Dortmund paid the price for not making the most of their first half dominance when Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pulled off a series of saves and Niclas Fullkrug hit the post.
Madrid took full advantage after the break.
Carvajal met Kroos’ corner at the near post in the 74th minute to power a header past Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.
Jude Bellingham nearly doubled the lead moments later, but then turned provider when slipping in Vinicius.
With just Kobel to beat, the forward fired his shot into the far corner and raced off in celebration.
Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster said on Stan Sport that Ancelotti deserved to now be recognised as the greatest coach in football history.
Madrid have won their last nine Champions League finals.
“I can’t have dreamed it much better than this,” Madrid’s England star Bellingham – who used to play for Dortmund – said.