Fines and a ban for football fans entering matches without tickets
It follows concerns raised over the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
From this weekend, entering football matches without a ticket is set to become a criminal offence across England and Wales.
This comes as Manchester City prepares to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The legislation follows concerns raised over the Euro 2020 final at the same venue, where thousands of ticketless fans stormed the stadium.
Amendments to the law emerged from a review conducted by Baroness Louise Casey, highlighting inadequate sanctions for stadium break-ins and tailgating.
Offenders will face a five-year football banning order and a fine of up to £1,000.
Designed to keep fans safe
Policing minister Sarah Jones explained that this new legislation has been designed to equip officers with more tools to address those attempting to enter stadiums illicitly.
Reflecting on the necessity of the law, Jones emphasised the risks involved when fans attempt to gain entry without tickets, stating, “We need there to be an appropriate response and a £1,000 fine or five-year football banning order I think will be a great deterrent.”
Previously, there were no specific legal penalties for attending a football match without a ticket.
The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act also targets entries made through forged tickets, impersonating stadium or playing staff, and using other deceptive methods.
During the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy on 11th July 2021, Baroness Casey's review flagged over 20 "near misses" which posed risks of serious injury due to unauthorised entries.
Around 100,000 people traveled to Wembley for the match, with approximately 2,000 entering without tickets amidst several breaches of stadium gates.
Recent issues during Liverpool's Champions League final against Real Madrid in 2022 at the Stade de France further underscored the importance of stringent entry regulations.
Despite legitimate tickets, numerous Liverpool fans faced denial of entry, and authorities confronted backlash for major organizational failures.
With stricter laws now in place, the upcoming Carabao Cup final aims to ensure a safe and regulated matchday experience for all attendees.