Football supporters attending matches in England and Wales are now subject to stricter laws around stadium entry.
The new legislation comes into force just days before a major domestic final, raising awareness of tougher consequences for rule-breakers.
Entering a football stadium without a ticket is now a criminal offence
Under new rules introduced ahead of the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, entering a football ground without a valid ticket is now officially a criminal offence.
The law follows the findings of the UEFA Euro 2020 Final review, led by Baroness Louise Casey, which highlighted serious safety risks after thousands of ticketless fans stormed Wembley in 2021.
Offenders could now face fines of up to £1,000 and football banning orders lasting as long as five years, per the BBC.
The legislation also specifically criminalises “tailgating” – where individuals attempt to enter by following closely behind legitimate ticket holders – as well as the use of fake tickets or false accreditation.
The changes are designed to support police and stadium authorities in preventing overcrowding and ensuring the safety of supporters attending matches.
FGG says: A long overdue change given past safety concerns
Given the scenes witnessed at Wembley in 2021, it is somewhat surprising that clearer legal consequences were not already in place.
The risks associated with overcrowding and uncontrolled entry points are well-documented, and this legislation gives authorities stronger tools to manage those situations.
At the same time, enforcement will be key, particularly at high-profile fixtures where demand far exceeds capacity.
Ultimately, most supporters will see this as a sensible step toward improving safety, even if it highlights how significant gaps previously existed in stadium security laws.