Intrusion into football matches becomes a criminal offence

Entering a football match in England and Wales without a ticket will become a criminal offense under new laws that come into force ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley.

Violators will face a football ban for up to five years, as well as a fine of up to £1,000.

The legislation was introduced as a result of the serious disruption that marred the European Championship final between England and Italy at Wembley in July 2021, when thousands of fans forced their way into the stadium.

The new law is designed to clamp down on “tracking” – where fans without tickets make their way through the turnstiles by staying close to legitimate ticket holders.

It will also be illegal to intentionally attempt to enter using false tickets, passes and credentials, or by pretending to be a member of staff.

Until now, there have been no specific legal penalties for entering a football match without a ticket, with fans caught doing so being evicted without any further punishment.

Police Minister Sarah Jones said: “Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened.”

“We are giving police the tools they need to ensure the chaos we saw at Wembley five years ago never happens again.

“Anyone who puts others at risk by storming playgrounds faces serious consequences.”

A report commissioned by the Football Association, led by Baroness Louise Casey, said the disruption that occurred at the Euro 2020 final could have led to deaths.

It found that around 2,000 people entered the match illegally, with 17 mass breaches of disabled access gates and emergency doors.

The law on unauthorized entry into football matches follows Baroness Casey’s findings that penalties for ground breaking were weak, and that prosecution should become a criminal offence.

Italy beat England on penalties in the final to be crowned European champions.

England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland will co-host Euro 2028.