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First 'Tailgating' Charge After Wembley Final
23 Mar
Summary
- A man was charged with 'tailgating' after the Carabao Cup final.
- The new law targets fans entering matches without tickets.
- Convictions for tailgating can lead to a five-year banning order.
A new law aimed at preventing unauthorized stadium entry has led to the first 'tailgating' charge in the country. The offense involves a person entering a football match without a ticket by closely following a legitimate ticket holder through turnstiles.
The charge follows the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0. A 27-year-old man, Benjamin Bailey from Oldham, has been summoned to appear in court in relation to the alleged offense. Two other men were also arrested on suspicion of the same crime at the Wembley final and remain in custody.
Similar incidents were also reported at other recent matches, including a separate arrest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This legislation was enacted following significant disorder at the Euro 2021 final, when numerous ticketless individuals forced their way into Wembley. Those found guilty of tailgating face severe penalties, including football banning orders of up to five years and fines up to £1,000.
