Football tailgating: Two fans receive first banning orders under new law

Two men have become the first in England to be convicted for breaking a new tailgating law at last month’s Carabao Cup final.

New legislation on unauthorised entry to football matches came into effect before Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Arsenal at Wembley on 22 March.

Police arrested and charged three men under the new legislation, with the first two having been issued with three-year banning orders.

Kamal McEwan has also been fined £471 for unauthorised entry while Alex Clark was fined £1,862 for unauthorised entry and possession of a Class A drug.

Both rulings were confirmed at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 10 April, with the third man due to appear in court on 1 May.

“This new legislation is already having a real and immediate impact,” said Wembley Stadium director Mark Lynch.

“Previously, there were no specific criminal penalties for those trying to enter the stadium without a ticket, placing significant pressure on our crowd safety teams. This new legislation now closes that gap and ensures offenders are dealt with appropriately.

“These cases send a clear message that any attempt to gain unauthorised access to football matches will not be tolerated and will result in firm action including large fines and lengthy football banning orders.”

Chief Inspector Pete Dearden, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “Our officers acted quickly and decisively at the Carabao Cup final, and these convictions demonstrate that antisocial, dangerous and criminal behaviour at football matches will be met with firm enforcement action.”

He added that police will continue to work with the Football Association and other partners to “prevent the minority who seek to cause harm or disruption from doing so”.