New UK Law Criminalises Tailgating At Football Matches

The UK Government has introduced new legislation making tailgating and other forms of unauthorised entry to football matches a criminal offence, in a move aimed at improving fan safety and preventing crowd disorder.

The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act, which comes into force on Sunday 22 March, will apply across the game and be in place in time for the 2026 Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

Under the new law, any attempt to enter a stadium without a valid ticket, whether by tailgating through turnstiles, using forged documents, or impersonating staff, will be punishable by a fine and a Football Banning Order. Offenders could face fines of up to £1,000, a criminal record, and bans from attending matches for up to five years.

Stadium officials and law enforcement have welcomed the move, highlighting the safety risks posed by unauthorised entry. Mark Lynch, Stadium Director at Wembley, said the practice places “a huge strain on crowd safety teams” and can put legitimate ticket holders at risk of overcrowding or injury.

“We welcome the introduction of the Unauthorised Access to Football Matches Act, which will make tailgating at football matches illegal and subject to Football Banning Orders,” Lynch said. “This new legislation will make football safer for fans with genuine tickets.”

Police leaders also endorsed the change. Mark Roberts, Chief Constable and a leading figure in football policing, described the law as “another positive step” in protecting supporters.

“Tailgating is not simply about avoiding ticket costs; unauthorised entry is a serious offence that can lead to overcrowding and pose a risk to the safety of law-abiding fans,” he said.

The legislation follows widespread disorder at the UEFA Euro 2020 Final, also held at Wembley, where large numbers of ticketless fans forced entry into the stadium. The incident prompted an independent review led by Louise Casey, which recommended strengthening legal measures to deter such behaviour.

Baroness Casey welcomed the new law, calling it “a significant step forward” in improving both safety and the overall matchday experience.

“I highlighted the challenges posed by tailgating in my review into the disorder surrounding the UEFA EURO 2020 Final,” she said. “I am therefore delighted that this Act has now been passed and will be in force in time for the 2026 Carabao Cup Final.”

The Football Association also received praise for its role in supporting the legislation, as authorities seek to prevent a repeat of past incidents and ensure safer conditions for fans attending matches across the country.

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