New tailgating offence brings fines and Football Banning Orders for ticketless fans at matches in England and Wales.
A new law covering “tailgating” at football grounds comes into force from 22 March to coincide with the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City, tightening the rules around getting into matches without a valid ticket in England and Wales.
68 people were arrested at last year’s final, attempting to get into the match without a ticket, but as the Guardian note, they were arrested on suspicion of fraud but no charges were ever brought.
From Sunday, entering or attempting to enter a designated football match in England and Wales without a ticket you are entitled to use becomes a specific criminal offence.
Going through a turnstile without a valid ticket, following closely behind another supporter, forcing a gate, or knowingly using a forged ticket, pass or accreditation can now lead to prosecution.
Possible penalties include a fine up to £1,000 and a Football Banning Order.
The change also follows the Euro 2020 final disorder at Wembley, when 2,000 fans got in without tickets, and is aimed at stopping large numbers of ticketless people forcing entry and creating dangerous overcrowding.