First tailgating case sees fan banned after sneaking into Wembley final

01 May 2026 , 23:06

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First tailgating case sees fan banned after sneaking into Wembley final

A man has been banned from attending football matches following what police have said is the first charge for tailgating a football match.

Benjamin Bailey, of Oldham, Greater Manchester, was arrested at the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on March 22 and charged with tailgating after he entered without a ticket.

The 27-year-old admitted the offence at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was handed a three-year football banning order and fined £230, the HM Courts & Tribunals Service said.

His prosecution is believed to be the first of its kind, having come after tailgaiting - which entails non-ticket holders following people who paid to attend games behind turnstiles to gain entry to games - was made a criminal offence.

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Offenders across England and Wales who are convicted of tailgating face a football banning order of up to five years and a fine of up to £1,000.

Sophie Walker

Deputy Editor & UK News