A man from Manchester has become the first person in England and Wales to be charged with the offence of tailgating at a football match. The incident occurred during the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium on March 16, according to the Metropolitan Police. Authorities allege the individual followed a legitimate ticket holder through a turnstile to gain unauthorised entry to the ground.
Brent Council and the Metropolitan Police identified the suspect as part of a joint investigation into stadium security. The 27-year-old faces charges under the Football Spectators Act 1989. This follows a wider crackdown on illegal entry at major sporting events in London, per Sky Sports.
Security officials at Wembley have increased surveillance to prevent similar breaches during high-profile fixtures. The suspect remains on bail and will appear before Willesden Magistrates' Court at a later date, according to The Guardian. The EFL has stated it continues to work with police to ensure the safety of all supporters attending national finals.
