New legislation criminalizes storming turnstiles at football stadiums, effective Sunday ahead of the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.
Penalties for Unauthorized Entry
Ticketless fans who force their way inside face fines up to £1,000 and potential five-year bans from matches. The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act also prohibits entering with forged tickets, passes, or accreditation documents, as well as impersonating stadium or team staff.
Response to Euro 2020 Chaos
The law addresses the disorder at the Euro 2020 final, delayed to 2021 due to Covid, where around 2,000 fans entered Wembley without tickets. Outside the stadium, drunken brawls erupted, including one incident involving a flare. A review confirmed that the turnstile breaches endangered lives.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones stated: “Football fans should enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened. We’re equipping police with tools to prevent the Wembley chaos from recurring. Those endangering others by forcing entry will face serious consequences.”
Baroness Louise Casey’s subsequent review highlighted the risks posed by supporters breaking into the stadium during the Euro 2020 final.
