A new law comes into force ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley
Arsenal and Manchester City fans would face heavy penalties if they breach the new law(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Supporters of Arsenal and Manchester City have been warned they face hefty fines and banning orders if they try to enter Wembley Stadium without a ticket. The Premier League’s top two meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
New laws will take effect this weekend as part of a plan to tackle “tailgating”, which sees supporter force their way through turnstiles by staying closely behind legitimate ticket holders. The worst example of tailgating was the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, which saw thousands of ticketless thugs smash their way into Wembley and cause mass disorder.
There had previously been no legal penalty for entering a ground without a ticket. The new act makes it illegal to enter a football match without a ticket, stopping tailgating and forced entry to keep fans and matchday staff safe.
It will also be illegal to knowingly attempt to gain entry using forged tickets, passes and accreditation documents, or by posing as a member of stadium or club staff. Offenders will be arrested and face a Football Banning Order of up to five years and a fine of up to £1,000.
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Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said: “Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened.
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“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.”
In response to the shame scenes at the Euro 2020 final, the Football Association commissioned Baroness Louise Casey to undertake an independent review into the carnage.
The review recommended strengthening the legal framework to deter football-related disorder, including tailgating and forced entry.
The new law should also prevent any repeat when the UK and Ireland hosts Euro 2028, with the final again being staged at Wembley.
Baroness Casey said: “Forcing your way into a football match without a ticket isn’t harmless. It jeopardises the safety of legitimate fans and staff.
“Making tailgating a criminal offence makes it clear that this behaviour is dangerous, won’t be tolerated and those who do it will face consequences.”
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