GROUNDS FOR PROSECUTION

Entering without ticket to be a criminal offence Law follows Wembley Euro final yobs stampede

- BY DAVE BURKE

ENTERING a football match without a ticket will become a criminal offence ahead of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley five years after thousands of fans stormed the stadium.

Offenders across England and Wales will face a five-year football banning order as well as a fine of up to £1,000 from this Sunday.

Manchester City play Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final that afternoon.

The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act covers those tailgating - when fans get through turnstiles by walking closely behind genuine ticket holders.

It also makes it illegal to knowingly try to enter with forged tickets, passes and accreditation documents, as well as by pretending to be a member of stadium or playing staff.

The legislation follows shameful scenes at the Euro 2020 final.