Chaos Erupts Outside Ballon d'Or Ceremony in London
Crowds of fans forced police to push back barriers as the glitzy event experienced delays and security concerns.
Police were forced to push back large crowds attempting to gain access to the Ballon d'Or red carpet, causing a delay to the start of the marquee football awards ceremony in London. The event, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. at the London Palladium, was postponed by half an hour.
The delay coincided with the arrival of Ballon d'Or contenders Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé amid chaotic scenes. Social media footage showed large gatherings of fans near the venue on Oxford Street, attempting to catch a glimpse of attendees.
One video depicted police near the red carpet holding back fans who appeared to be trying to breach barriers, raising security concerns. Daily Mail Sport has contacted the organizers for comment.
Fans had hoped to see stars like England captain Harry Kane on the red carpet.
Real Madrid and France star Kylian Mbappé was also among the attendees.
The ceremony, overseen by France Football, marks the first time it has been held in London in its 70-year history, with all previous editions taking place in France. The decision to stage the event in London was made to honor Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the first Ballon d'Or in 1956.
The security issues outside the venue were compounded by a clash between a photographer and a security guard during the event's official broadcast. The photographer inadvertently entered DAZN's red carpet coverage and was seen being pulled away by a security guard. The photographer was heard telling the guard to stop grabbing him.
Adding to the pre-ceremony disarray, Ballon d'Or organizers had inadvertently published articles announcing Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Mbappé as winners of the men's prize on their official website. Following an alert from Daily Mail Sport, the articles were removed and an investigation was launched.
