Wembley steward admits to stealing lanyards for ticketless Euro fans to enter stadium

A teenager has admitted stealing lanyards, hi-vis steward jackets, wristbands and other items so that ticketless football fans could get into Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 final.

Yusaf Amin, 18, who worked as a steward at the stadium, offered to sell the items online for a total of £4,500.

Security staff and fans clashed when ticketless crowds tried to storm the arena before the game between England and Italy on 11 July.

A few hours earlier at 3pm, an account on Facebook market place had appeared advertising the items and "guaranteed entry", Willesden Magistrates Court heard.

Amin, of Clifford Road, Newham, pleaded guilty to the charge of theft via postal requisition on Wednesday afternoon.

Edward Aydin, prosecuting, told the court that Amin had arranged to meet prospective buyers in an Aldi supermarket before he was caught and arrested.

Reading out the online post, Mr Aydin said: "Steward pass available x2 with uniforms and pass and I'm outside Wembley, anyone wans (sic) to get in.

"I have two passes and two uniforms and wristbands for you to go in and watch the game. Looking for serious people only. Guaranteed entry or money back."

He added that the venture had been "high risk" for both security at the game and the buyers of the tickets.

Amin will be sentenced at Willesden Magistrates' Court on 23 August.

Dalha Mohamad, 18, of Anglian Road, Waltham Forest, was charged with similar offences but pleaded not guilty at the same hearing.

He is due to be tried at Willesden Magistrates' Court on 17 December.

The pair appeared at court in person, Amin wearing a white shirt and black tie and Mohamad in a thick black puffer coat.

Both have been released on bail.