Two individuals have been issued with three-year banning orders for tailgating at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, marking the first convictions for this offence in England.

These landmark rulings follow the introduction of new legislation last month, with support from The FA and Wembley Stadium, which made tailgating, and other forms of unauthorised entry to football matches, a criminal offence.

The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act came into force ahead of the 2026 Carabao Cup Final between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, making any attempt to enter a stadium without a valid ticket punishable by a fine and a Football Banning Order.

During the 2026 Carabao Cup Final, Metropolitan Police arrested and charged three men under the new legislation.

The following rulings were confirmed at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Friday 10 April:

Kamal McEwan, from London, was issued a three-year Football Banning Order and fined £471 (inc. costs) for unauthorised entry. He became the first person in the country to receive a football banning order for this offence.

Alex Clark, from Waltham Cross, received a three-year Football Banning Order and was ordered to pay £1862 (inc. costs) for unauthorised entry and possession of a Class A drug.

A third man is due to appear in court on 1 May.

Commenting on the convictions, Wembley Stadium Director, Mark Lynch said:

“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, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “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.”