Prankster infiltrates England's World Cup send-off by dressing as player

Updated: 21 Jun, 2017 • • min read

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The England World Cup squad were sent off with a moment of farce after comedian Simon Brodkin managed to mingle with the players by dressing up as a member of the team.

Acting as his alter ego Premier League footballer Jason Bent, Brodkin pushed past the security guards at Luton Airport on Sunday and attempted to join the squad as they waited for their luggage to be removed from the bus.

Suited and booted in England's official attire, Brodkin blended in with the players for a couple of moments before police stepped in to manhandle the gatecrasher off the scene.

The majority of England players saw the funny side of the stunt, but others looked on dumbstruck as police and guards surrounded him and ushered him away for questioning.

A Bedfordshire Police spokesman said: "Officers were assisting private security at Landmark Aviation when a man managed to enter the area and approached the England team bus.

"This man was quickly apprehended, taken away from the scene and given some strong police advice about his future conduct."

Brodkin attempted a similar stunt in March 2013, when he was given a six-month conditional caution after warming up with the Manchester City squad ahead of a Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park.