First Football Banning Orders Under New Tailgating Law

Two men have become the first individuals in England to receive football banning orders for tailgating, following arrests at Wembley Stadium during this year’s Carabao Cup Final.

The landmark rulings come after the introduction of the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act, new legislation backed by The Football Association and Wembley Stadium authorities. The law, which came into force ahead of the 2026 final between Arsenal and Manchester City, makes attempting to enter a stadium without a valid ticket a criminal offence.

At Wembley Stadium, Metropolitan Police arrested three men during the showpiece fixture. Two of those cases have now been concluded at Willesden Magistrates' Court, with both defendants receiving three-year banning orders.

A man from London, was fined £471 and issued a three-year Football Banning Order for unauthorised entry, becoming the first person in the country to be convicted under the new offence. The second man from Waltham Cross, was handed a similar three-year ban and ordered to pay £1,862 after being found guilty of unauthorised entry and possession of a Class A drug.

A third individual charged in connection with the incident is due to appear in court on 1 May.

Wembley Stadium Director Mark Lynch said the swift convictions highlight the immediate impact of the new legislation. He noted that, previously, there were no specific criminal penalties targeting those attempting to gain entry without tickets, placing added strain on crowd safety teams.

“This new legislation closes that gap,” Lynch said, adding that the cases should serve as a warning that unauthorised access attempts will lead to “firm action including large fines and lengthy Football Banning Orders.”

Chief Inspector Pete Dearden of the Metropolitan Police Service echoed that message, praising officers for acting “quickly and decisively” during the final. He stressed that authorities will continue working with stadiums and governing bodies to ensure matches remain safe environments.

The new law marks a significant shift in how football authorities and police tackle tailgating and other forms of illegal entry, with officials hoping it will deter dangerous behaviour and improve safety at major sporting events.

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