The Football (Offences) Act 1991
The Football (Offences) Act 1991 created specific criminal offences that apply only at regulated football matches, from two hours before kick-off until one hour after the final whistle. Section 2 prohibits throwing any object at or towards the playing area. Section 3 prohibits racist or indecent chanting. Section 4 makes pitch incursion a criminal offence.
Public Order and Alcohol Offences
Most football arrests fall under the Public Order Act 1986. The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 makes it an offence to be drunk on transport principally used for spectators, to possess alcohol in any area from which the pitch is visible, or to attempt to enter a stadium in possession of a pyrotechnic article, including flares, smoke bombs, or fireworks.
Football Banning Orders — On Conviction
Where a person is convicted of a relevant offence under section 14A of the Football Spectators Act 1989, the court must make a banning order if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe the order would help prevent violence or disorder at football matches. On conviction, an order lasts between three and ten years.
Football Banning Orders — Civil Applications
Under section 14B, the police may apply to a Magistrates' Court for a banning order where an individual has not been convicted of any offence, based on evidence that their behaviour has contributed to violence or disorder at football matches. These are civil proceedings. An order made on application lasts between two and three years. We can successfully contest both conviction-triggered and standalone banning order applications.