A surreal and startling scene unfolded on the streets of West London following Chelsea's Premier League clash with West Ham United, when Metropolitan Police officers arrested a man dressed in the full regalia of Star Wars villain Darth Vader.
The bizarre incident, which has since gone viral on social media, occurred near Stamford Bridge stadium. A video circulating online shows two police officers attempting to detain the individual, whose iconic black helmet and cape made for an incongruous sight against the backdrop of post-match crowds.
In the short clip, one officer can be seen holding the cosplayer's arm while another moves in to assist. The Dark Lord of the Sith appears to resist momentarily before being led away. The specific charges leading to the arrest remain unclear at this time, with the Metropolitan Police yet to release an official statement detailing the circumstances.
The arrest has sparked a mixture of amusement and bewilderment online, with fans and commentators quick to react. One social media user quipped, "He must have supported the dark side... aka West Ham," in reference to Chelsea's 0-0 draw with the Hammers. Others expressed concern over the nature of the arrest.
This incident highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of the crowds and colourful characters drawn to major football fixtures. The use of elaborate costumes and props, while common in fan culture, can present unique challenges for security and police forces tasked with maintaining order.
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for further comment regarding the charges and the identity of the individual involved.
