Met Police Charges First Individual for Tailgating Violation
The Metropolitan Police authorised the country’s first legal action after a tailgating violation at a football match. Officers laid charges against the first individual accused of that offence following the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.
Arrests and court process
A man in his 20s was arrested at the final and charged at 19:45hrs on Sunday, 22 March. He is named as Benjamin Bailey, 27, born 6 August 1998, of Fifth Avenue, Oldham, Manchester.
Bailey will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 1 May over the alleged offence. Two other men were also arrested on suspicion of tailgating at Wembley and remain in police custody.
Separate incident at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
One person was arrested on Sunday, 22 March at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That individual was detained on suspicion of tailgating and later bailed pending further investigation.
New offence, penalties and background
Entering a match without a ticket became a criminal offence at 00:01hrs on Sunday, 22 March. The change followed serious disorder at the European Championship final at Wembley in July 2021.
Those convicted face a football banning order of up to five years and fines up to £1,000. The new measures aim to deter large-scale unauthorised entry to stadia.
Policing operation and results
The Met reported a 78% reduction in offences at this year’s final. Police made 20 arrests in total, down from 91 at the same fixture last year.
- Seven arrests for affray
- One for assault of an emergency service worker
- One for racially aggravated assault
Chief Inspector Pete Dearden, the match commander at Wembley, credited meticulous planning. He said the improved approach will act as a blueprint for upcoming fixtures.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments as the case progresses through the courts.
