New legislation, the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act, will take effect on Sunday ahead of the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley
Football fans who force their way into grounds without a ticket face long bans and hefty fines when a new law comes into place on Sunday.
The legislation follows shameful scenes at the Euro 2020 final, when hundreds of supporters smashed their way into Wembley Stadium. Tailgating, using fake tickets or impersonating workers at stadiums will lead to fines of up to £1,000 and a five year football ban, the Home Office said.
The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act will come into effect ahead of the Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley.
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.
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“Anyone who endangers others by forcing their way into stadiums faces serious consequences.”
An estimated 2,000 ticketless fans smashed their way into Wembley ahead of the clash between England and Italy. A review by Baroness Louise Casey found there were several near misses when lives could have been lost, and described it as a “national shame”.
She warned that poor preparation was a factor. 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.”
Until the law takes effect, there is no specific legal penalty for entering a football match without a ticket.
It comes ahead of England and Wales co-host Euro 2028, the will tackle these risks now so that fans can enjoy world-class football safely.