Football Fans Will Be Permitted Back Into Stadiums From 2 December 2020' But Will The Enforced Break Result In Football Banning Orders Being A Thing Of The Past?

• Published date: 03 December 2020
• Law Firm: BCL Solicitors LLP
• Author: Mr Daniel Jackson

Introduction

As a football fan, I have missed attending the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with my family whilst games have been played behind-closed-doors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With fans allowed to return to stadiums following the end of lockdown, albeit in limited numbers, one has to wonder whether the minority of attendees who previously struggled to conduct themselves appropriately, will now appreciate the opportunity and lead to a reduction in unlawful behaviour at or in connection with football matches.

As a timely reminder, those persons convicted of a relevant offence or following a complaint (by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service), risk being subjected to a Football Banning Order ('FBO'), which was established by the Football Spectators Act 1989 ('the Act').

What is a Football Banning Order?

Such an order prohibits an individual from attending a regulated football match in the UK and must be made (there is no discretion) if a court is satisfied (there are 'reasonable grounds') that it would help to prevent violence or disorder at or in connection with any regulated football match(es). If a court is not satisfied of the aforementioned, then it is required to state that...