Home / Crime and Justice / Ticketless entry to football grounds now a crime
Ticketless entry to football grounds now a crime
20 Mar
Summary
- Entering stadiums without a ticket is a new criminal offense.
- Offenders face banning orders and significant fines.
- The law aims to prevent chaos seen at past major events.
In a significant shift for English and Welsh football, gaining entry to a stadium without a valid ticket is now a criminal offense. This new law, which takes effect this weekend, targets individuals who tailgate ticket holders or use forged credentials. Offenders could face a Football Banning Order of up to five years and a maximum fine of £1,000.
The legislation was prompted by incidents such as the mass entry of ticketless fans at the Euro 2020 Final in July 2021, which led to widespread disorder. Following an independent report that detailed an "appalling scene of disorder," calls for tighter legal frameworks intensified.
The new act amends the Football (Offences) Act 1991. It specifically criminalizes entering a venue without authorization, including using fake tickets or posing as staff. Officials emphasize that this measure provides law enforcement with necessary tools to prevent future disturbances and ensure spectator safety.
This law was championed by Linsey Farnsworth, a Labour MP, and received royal assent in January 2025, becoming effective just in time for the Carabao Cup Final. Baroness Louise Casey, who authored the report on the 2021 final, stated that making tailgating a criminal offense sends a clear message that such dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.
