Illegal stadium entry now carries tougher penalties in England and Wales
Entering football stadiums without a valid ticket is now a criminal offence in England and Wales. The English FA announced that offenders could face bans of up to five years and fines under new legislation. The law targets various illegal entry methods, including tailgating and using fake tickets or accreditation. The move comes after previous incidents of disorder at major matches.
Match highlights
- The English FA stated that entering a stadium without a valid ticket is now a criminal offence, with offenders facing up to five-year bans and fines up to £1,000.
- The law addresses illegal entry methods such as tailgating, using forged tickets, and impersonating staff.
- The legislation follows disorder at the UEFA Euro 2020 Final, where thousands entered Wembley Stadium without tickets.
- A review led by Louise Casey found around 2,000 people entered illegally, breaching disabled access gates and emergency exits.
- Sarah Jones, policing minister, said the new measures aim to prevent similar incidents and improve stadium safety.
