Hooligans face new bans amid drug use at 'almost 100 per cent' of stadiums

29 December 2023 , 00:01

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There were disgraceful scenes at the Euros final at Wembley in 2021 (Image: PA)

Hooligans will face new banning orders because of the “increasing problem” of tailgating at football stadiums.

‌A new report from the Culture Media and Sport Committee also reveals how there is evidence of drug use at “almost 100 per cent” of stadiums while there is a warning it would be “really dangerous” to change current booze legislation.‌ It has also called for closer working relationships between British police forces and foreign authorities to stop a repeat of the “disgraceful” treatment of Liverpool fans at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

The cross party Culture, Media and Sport Committee heard from a range of football experts with tailgating - where ticketless fans follow genuine supporters and barge through turnstiles - a major concern throughout English football. It has been on the increase since the disgraceful scenes at the Euros final at Wembley in 2021 when thousands of ticketless yobs got into the stadium and caused mayhem.

Incredibly, the report says tailgating is currently “seemingly unchallenged” because of a lack of legislation but banning orders will be brought in and a new Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill will be put before Parliament.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, said: “Fans flocking to festive fixtures at this time of year should be able to enjoy time with family and friends in sports grounds that are secure, inclusive and welcoming environments.‌ Sadly, the rise in disorder at football post-pandemic and near disasters that occurred at Wembley and in Paris have shown there is much to be done to ensure a safe time for all.

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“The Government, police, clubs and governing bodies all have a role to play. Tailgating and other forms of unauthorised entry into grounds are an increasing problem at high-profile matches putting safety at risk from overcrowding. ‌Those involved should know that they will face consequences and the Government should back legislation to ensure they can be banned.”

The rise of hooliganism is a huge concern to football and Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of UK football policing, warned about the dangers of drug use within stadiums, particularly cocaine. The report says police and clubs need to take drugs “more seriously.”

Roberts said: “There is ample evidence of pretty heavy use at most stadiums. That is through exercises where we swab toilets before, to make sure that they are clean, then swab them after and get an almost 100 per cent hit on them. When we have passive drug dog operations, we find an awful lot of bags discarded.”

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage (Handout)

Head of UK football policing, Chief Constable Mark Roberts (Chester Chronicle)

Roberts also warned about the dangers of overturning the current laws which prevent alcohol being drunk within sight of the pitch at EFL and Premier League grounds. Tracey Crouch’s fan-new review into football urged football to review the stance while non-league Dulwich Hamlet said the club could not afford to get promoted because 70 per cent of its current income comes from booze sales.

But Roberts warned arguments to end the ban are “really dangerous” and that the “risks massively outweigh it.” However, the report recommends that the Government should pursue a pilot scheme allowing the sale of alcohol, particularly aimed at smaller clubs and grounds.

Dinenage also said within the 41 page report - commissioned after the violence at the Euro 2020 final and the “disgraceful” treatment of Liverpool fans in Paris - that there should be better co-operation and working between police and overseas authorities to help travelling supporters.

She added: “At big games in Europe, too often the attitude of foreign police to British fans leads to unacceptable treatment of innocent supporters. The Government needs to work with overseas counterparts to bolster the role of British police travelling with teams and collaboration with local forces.”

John Cross