Two football fans given banning orders after historic law introduced by UK government

Two football fans have given banning orders after a historic new law was introduced by the UK government earlier this year.

Prior to March's Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City, the UK government announced they were formerly banning 'tailgating' - the practice of supporters without a ticket walking closely behind a ticket holder to pass through the turnstiles.

Punishments for breaching the new law would include a fine of up to £1,000 and a football banning order of up to five years.

Legislation passed through the House of Commons in July 2025 before being approved by the House of Lords, and was officially written into law in March. The law makes 'tailgating' a criminal offence.

Police arrested three men at Wembley Stadium ahead of City's 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Two of those men have now been given football banning orders, as well as fines, with a third man due to appear in court on May 1.

Two fans banned from football grounds over 'tailgating'

Kamal McEwan, from London, appeared at Willesden Magistrates' Court on April 10 and was issued with a three-year banning order and fined £471 for unauthorised entry.

Alex Clark, from Waltham Cross, also received a three-year football banning order. He was ordered to pay a fine of £1,872 for unauthorised entry and possession of a Class A drug.

Two men were sentenced at Willesden Magistrates' Court on April 10 (Image: Getty)

Chief Inspector Pete Dearden, of the Metropolitan Police, said in a statement: "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.

"We will continue to work closely with sport venues, The FA and other partners to ensure football matches remain safe environments for fans, families and staff, and to prevent the minority who seek to cause harm or disruption from doing so.

Minister of State for Policing and Crime, Sarah Jones, had previously warned of 'serious consequences' for those who broke the newly-introduced law.

"Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened," she stated.

"We're giving the police the tools they need to ensure the chaos we saw at Wembley five years ago never happens again.

"Anyone who endangers others by forcing their way into stadiums facing serious consequences."