A 27-year-old individual has become the first person in the UK to be formally accused under new legislation targeting “tailgating,” defined as gaining entry to a football stadium without a valid ticket. The charge relates to the EFL Cup final held at Wembley Stadium.
A 27-year-old individual has become the first person in the UK to be formally accused under new legislation targeting “tailgating,” defined as gaining entry to a football stadium without a valid ticket. The charge relates to the EFL Cup final held at Wembley Stadium.
The law came into force on the same day as the final, just hours before Manchester City secured a 2–0 victory over Arsenal. Authorities confirmed that the timing meant the match became the first major event where the new rules were applied.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the accused, Benjamin Bailey, from Oldham, is scheduled to appear before Willesden Magistrates' Court on Friday, 1 May. His case is directly linked to the alleged offence during the Wembley fixture.
Police also reported that two additional men were detained at Wembley on suspicion of similar behaviour and remain in custody while inquiries continue. These arrests suggest enforcement efforts were active during the event itself.
On the same day, another incident occurred at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where a man was taken into custody during Tottenham Hotspur’s 3–0 loss to Nottingham Forest. He has since been released on bail as investigations proceed.
Under the new rules, anyone found guilty of tailgating could face a banning order from attending football matches for up to five years. In addition, financial penalties may reach as much as £1,000.
The introduction of this offence follows the unrest that occurred during the UEFA Euro 2020 final at Wembley in July 2021. During that event, large numbers of supporters without tickets forced their way into the stadium, leading to significant disruption.
The updated law aims to prevent similar situations by targeting individuals who attempt to enter venues by closely following legitimate ticket holders through access points. Authorities intend for the measure to strengthen crowd control and improve safety at major fixtures.
