Boxing fans going to the heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte could be fined if they are caught drinking outside Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.
Brent Council has imposed an alcohol ban along Olympic Way – the main path leading from Wembley Park Station to the stadium – and the surrounding streets. It said fans caught drinking in these areas could be asked to hand over any alcohol. Fines could also be handed out.
The move is part of a bid to avoid the scenes of violence and drunkenness that plagued the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy in the summer of 2021. A report by Baroness Casey published last year found there was “collective failure” to recognise the dangers posed by fans influenced by alcohol and drugs.
The report read: “Our team of role models were in our first major final for 55 years. However, they were let down by a horde of ticketless, drunken and drugged-up thugs who chose to abuse innocent, vulnerable and disabled people, as well as police officers, volunteers and Wembley staff.”
Alcohol exclusion zones have been in place for several high-profile sporting events at Wembley since the Euros final, including at the two FA Cup semi-finals earlier this month. The council has previously dubbed them a “success” and said it made things safer for both those attending these events and local residents.
Fury and Whyte expect to face off in front of 94,000 people after Brent Council agreed to extend the stadium’s capacity for the fight. This would be a record for a UK boxing match, surpassing the 90,000 who saw Anthony Joshua beat Wladimir Klitschko at the same venue in 2017.
Organisers at Wembley said there will be more security measures in place than there were for the Joshua fight, which is partly in response to the events at the Euros.
It is hoped that sniffer dogs, security stewards and a “significant number” of police outside the ground will reduce the chance of any trouble breaking out. The council said the area around Wembley is expected to be busy between 1pm and 1am and advised those without tickets to avoid the area.
Parking measures are also in place, with only those with eligible event day parking permits able to leave their cars close to the stadium.
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