In a significant move to curb disorder at football matches, England and Wales have introduced new laws that make entering a football match without a ticket a criminal offence. This law comes into effect before the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley.
Offenders will face severe consequences under these new laws. They could be slapped with a football banning order for up to five years, along with fines reaching up to £1,000. The introduction of this legislation is in response to the serious disorder witnessed during the European Championship final between England and Italy at Wembley in July 2021. Thousands of fans forced their way into the stadium during this event, leading to chaos and disruption.
Policing minister, Sarah Jones, said:
"Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened. We're giving the police the tools they need to ensure the chaos we saw at Wembley five years ago never happens again. Anyone who endangers others by forcing their way into stadiums faces serious consequences."
Targeting 'Tailgating'
The act specifically targets 'tailgating', where supporters without tickets sneak through turnstiles by staying close behind legitimate ticket-holders. It also makes it illegal for individuals knowingly attempting entry using forged tickets, passes or accreditation documents or by impersonating staff members.
Previously, there were no specific legal penalties for entering a football match without a ticket; caught offenders were typically ejected from the venue without further punishment. A report commissioned by The Football Association (FA) led by Baroness Louise Casey highlighted that such disorder could potentially lead to fatalities. It revealed that approximately 2,000 people illegally entered during the Euro 2020 final which saw 17 mass breaches of disabled access gates and emergency fire doors.
This report paved way for "The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act", following Baroness Casey's findings that sanctions on breaking into stadiums were weak and tailgating should be considered as criminal offence.
Look back
Italy emerged victorious over England in the final, winning on penalties to be crowned European champions. The disorderly conduct of fans during this match has led to stricter laws and regulations for future matches.
England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are set to co-host Euro 2028. With these new laws in place, it is expected that such incidents will be significantly reduced ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for genuine football fans.
This new legislation marks a significant step towards maintaining order at football matches. It sends out a strong message that disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and ensures that sports events can be enjoyed by all in a safe environment.
