New law targets ‘tailgating’ as ticketless stadium entry becomes criminal offence

Entering a football ground without a valid ticket will become a criminal offence in England and Wales from this weekend, as the government introduces new powers designed to deter ‘tailgating’ and forced entry at matches.The change, which comes into force on March 22, creates a specific offence covering people who enter or attempt to enter a designated football match without a ticket they are eligible to use.It also criminalises attempts to gain entry using forged tickets, passes or accreditation, and incidents where individuals pose as stadium or playing staff to get through turnstiles.Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened. We’re giving the police the tools they need to ensure the chaos we saw at Wembley 5 years ago never happens again.“Anyone who endangers others by forcing their way into stadiums faces serious consequences.”Offenders can face a fine of up to £1,000 and a football banning order of up to five years, adding a sanction that can restrict repeat offenders from attending matches.The move is timed ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley, with ministers and football authorities seeking to reduce the risk of disorder and crowd safety incidents at sold-out fixtures.The legislation closes a gap that had left police relying on more general offences when dealing with ticketless entry, a point football authorities have highlighted since crowd disorder at recent high-profile events.The issue remains sensitive at Wembley after the Euro 2020 final in July 2021, when large numbers of ticketless fans breached the perimeter and forced their way into the stadium, prompting concerns over safety, policing capacity and the risk of serious injury.The Football Association commissioned an independent review into the disorder led by Baroness Louise Casey, which recommended strengthening the legal framework to deter tailgating and forced entry.Baroness Casey said: “Forcing your way into a football match without a ticket isn’t harmless. It jeopardises the safety of legitimate fans and staff.“Making tailgating a criminal offence makes it clear that this behaviour is dangerous, won’t be tolerated and those who do it will face consequences.”The bill was introduced as a government-backed private member’s bill by Linsey Farnsworth, Labour MP for Amber Valley, and adds the new offence into the wider football policing framework that already supports banning orders.Beyond immediate crowd control, the change has an operational impact for clubs and stadium operators, who have been investing in perimeter security, ticketing technology and stewarding to manage risk at peak-demand matches.The government has also linked the clampdown to preparations for Euro 2028, which England and Wales are due to co-host, with officials positioning the new offence as part of a wider programme to protect matchday staff and supporters and reduce pressure on policing resources.