Full Breakdown
First Charge Under New Tailgating Law at Carabao Cup Final
3/23/2026, 2:26:00 PM
Introduction of New Legislation
A man has become the first individual charged under the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act, which criminalizes entering a football match in England and Wales without a valid ticket. This legislation took effect just before the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2023. The match concluded with Manchester City winning 2-0. The law was enacted in response to significant disorder during the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, where thousands of ticketless fans breached security.
Details of the Charge
Benjamin Bailey, a 27-year-old from Oldham, was arrested at the Carabao Cup final and charged with tailgating, which involves entering a venue by closely following ticket holders. He is scheduled to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on May 1, 2023. Two other men were also arrested on suspicion of tailgating and remain in police custody. Additionally, another individual was arrested for tailgating during a match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the same day.
Impact of the New Law
The introduction of the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act aims to deter unauthorized entry and enhance security at football events. Offenders convicted under this law face a maximum five-year football banning order and fines up to £1,000. The Metropolitan Police reported a 78% reduction in offences at this year's Carabao Cup final, with only 20 arrests compared to 91 at the same fixture the previous year. Arrests this year included seven for affray, one for assaulting an emergency service worker, and one for racially aggravated assault.
Background and Context
The new legislation was prompted by an independent review led by Baroness Louise Casey, which highlighted severe security failures during the Euro 2020 final. The review noted over 20 "near misses" that could have resulted in serious injury or death due to ticketless individuals gaining entry. Approximately 100,000 fans attended the Euro 2020 final, with around 2,000 entering without tickets, leading to chaotic scenes. The law also addresses issues faced by Liverpool supporters during the 2022 Champions League final, where authorities were criticized for their handling of the situation.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Inspector Pete Dearden of the Metropolitan Police commended the strategic planning and execution of the operation at Wembley, stating, "We expect high standards and every officer delivered that today." He emphasized that the successful policing operation would serve as a model for future events at Wembley.
Criticism & Opposition
While the new law aims to enhance safety, some critics argue that it may disproportionately penalize fans and could lead to further complications in managing large crowds at football events. Concerns have been raised about the potential for over-policing and the impact on genuine fans who may face difficulties entering matches.
What's Next
As the football season progresses, the Metropolitan Police plan to utilize the insights gained from the Carabao Cup final to improve security measures at upcoming fixtures. The effectiveness of the new legislation will continue to be monitored as more matches take place throughout the year.
