Two fans given stadium bans for breaking new tailgating law at Carabao Cup final

Two individuals have become the first to receive football banning orders after breaking a new tailgating law at last month’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

New legislation on unauthorised entry to football matches came into effect for the first time at the showpiece fixture between Arsenal and Manchester City on 22 March.

Kamal McEwan was handed a three-year banning order and fined £471 for unauthorised entry, marking the first sanction under the new law. Alex Clark, from Waltham Cross, received a similar three-year ban and a £1,862 fine, also for unauthorised entry, with an additional charge for possession of a Class A drug.

Both rulings were confirmed at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 10 April, according to a statement from Wembley Stadium, with a third man due to appear in court on 1 May.

The new tailgating law was brought in before the Carabao Cup final, which was won by Man City (Ben Whitley/PA) (PA Wire)

Mark Lynch, Director at Wembley Stadium, stated: "The swift arrest and convictions of these individuals at the Carabao Cup final demonstrate this new legislation is already having a real and immediate impact.

“Previously, there were no specific criminal penalties for those trying to enter the stadium without a ticket, placing significant pressure on our crowd safety teams. This new legislation now closes that gap and ensures offenders are dealt with appropriately.

"These cases send a clear message that any attempt to gain unauthorised access to football matches will not be tolerated and will result in firm action including large fines and lengthy Football Banning Orders."

Chief Inspector Pete Dearden, of the Metropolitan Police Service, added: "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."