Harry Kane won the award on a chaotic night in London on Monday

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Harry Kane claimed the Ballon d'Or on a night of extraordinary disorder in London, with police battling to contain crowds, a photographer confronting security and organisers left red-faced by a blunder over the winner.

Football's biggest individual awards ceremony was being staged at the London Palladium, marking its first appearance outside France in 70 years.

Organisers pushed the scheduled 8pm start back by half an hour as chaotic scenes unfolded outside the venue, where supporters had gathered hoping to see football stars and celebrity guests.

Kane and fellow contender Kylian Mbappe were among those who had recently arrived as attention turned towards the crowds near the red carpet.

Videos circulating on social media showed large numbers of people around Oxford Street, with one recording capturing officers holding back fans who appeared to be attempting to force their way through barriers.

Yet the trouble outside was only one part of an increasingly uncomfortable evening.