The wider picture
In a significant move aimed at enhancing safety at football matches, new legislation in England and Wales has made tailgating at football games a criminal offence. This law comes in the wake of a thorough review of crowd disorder that occurred during the Euro 2020 final, which underscored serious security failures and raised concerns about fan safety.
The new regulations, set to take effect on March 20, 2026, will impose strict penalties on offenders, including a football banning order of up to five years and fines reaching £1,000. This decisive action aims to deter individuals who attempt to enter matches without tickets by following legitimate ticket holders through turnstiles, a practice known as tailgating.
Baroness Louise Casey, who has been vocal about the need for these changes, stated, “Forcing your way into a football match without a ticket isn’t harmless.” Her comments reflect a growing consensus that such actions can lead to dangerous situations, as evidenced by the chaos witnessed at the Euro 2020 final, where approximately 2,000 individuals entered the venue illegally.
In addition to the new penalties for tailgating, the legislation also criminalizes the use of forged tickets and impersonating staff to gain entry. Prior to this act, there were no specific legal repercussions for entering a football match without a ticket, leaving a gap in the law that many exploited. The Football Association’s report on the Euro 2020 final revealed that the disorder could have resulted in fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
Last year’s Carabao Cup final saw 68 arrests made for attempts to enter without a ticket, further illustrating the prevalence of this issue. Additionally, 400 fans were ejected from the Euro 2020 final, with 17 incidents involving mass breaches of disabled access gates and emergency fire doors. These alarming statistics have prompted officials to take a firmer stance on crowd control and safety measures.
Sarah Jones, a prominent advocate for fan safety, expressed her support for the new legislation, stating, “Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened.” Her sentiments resonate with many who believe that the atmosphere at football matches should be one of camaraderie and enjoyment, rather than fear and disorder.
As the new law approaches its implementation date, officials are preparing to educate fans about the changes and the importance of adhering to ticketing regulations. The hope is that by making tailgating a criminal offence, it will send a clear message that such behaviour is dangerous and will not be tolerated.
With these new measures in place, the football community in England and Wales is poised to take a significant step towards ensuring that matches are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. Observers are optimistic that these changes will foster a more secure environment for fans, allowing them to focus on the game and the shared experience of supporting their teams.
