Arsenal and Man City supporters sent £1k Carabao Cup final fines warning after law change

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Fans could face big fines if they breach a new law which comes into force this weekend

Arsenal and Manchester City fans have been told they could face big fines and banning orders should they attempt to access Wembley Stadium without valid tickets.

The Premier League's leading two sides clash in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Fresh legislation will come into force this weekend as part of measures to combat "tailgating", where fans force their way through turnstiles by remaining in close proximity to genuine ticket holders.

The most serious instance of tailgating occurred during the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, when thousands of ticketless hooligans broke into Wembley and sparked widespread disorder.

Previously, there had been no legal sanction for entering a venue without a ticket. The new legislation makes it an offence to enter a football match without a ticket, preventing tailgating and forced entry to protect supporters and matchday personnel.

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It will also be an offence to knowingly attempt to gain admission using counterfeit tickets, passes and accreditation documents, or by impersonating stadium or club personnel. Those found guilty will be arrested and face a Football Banning Order of up to five years and a fine of up to £1,000.

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 five years ago never happens again. Anyone who endangers others by forcing their way into stadiums faces serious consequences."

Following the shameful scenes at the Euro 2020 final, the Football Association commissioned Baroness Louise Casey to conduct an independent review into the mayhem. The review advised strengthening the legal framework to discourage football-related disorder, including tailgating and forced entry.

The new legislation should also help prevent any recurrence when the UK and Ireland host Euro 2028, with the final once again taking place at Wembley.

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."

Both clubs were given just under 32,000 tickets each for Sunday's final, with the Gunners' allocation selling out quickly.