Two men became the first individuals in England convicted under new laws for tailgating at a football match. The incidents occurred at the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea on 25 February at Wembley Stadium. According to the Metropolitan Police, the individuals followed legitimate ticket holders through the turnstiles to gain unauthorised entry.
Alfie Low, aged 21, and Lewis Joyce, aged 20, both received three-year football banning orders. The CPS confirmed that the defendants must also pay fines and costs following their hearings at Willesden Magistrates' Court. These prosecutions follow the expansion of the Football Offences Act to include unauthorised entry to grounds, per the Football Association.
Wembley Stadium officials stated that enhanced security measures helped identify the offenders. The new legislation aims to prevent the disorder seen at previous major events. The Metropolitan Police noted that both individuals are now prohibited from attending regulated football matches across the United Kingdom for the duration of their bans.
