The legal and regulatory framework governing spectator conduct at football fixtures is more extensive than many may realise.
Indeed, as Professor Jeff Pearson of the University of Manchester recently noted on The Law Show podcast, “Football supporters are one of the most regulated communities… in the UK.” This regulation stems largely from efforts to curb football-related disorder, particularly in the 1980s when hooliganism was a significant concern.
Today, football fans can face criminal charges for a range of actions that are not treated as criminal offences in other sporting environments. These include drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch, consuming alcohol on chartered transport to matches, and re-selling tickets without authorisation – the latter being a criminal offence unique to football. Breaches can lead to Football Banning Orders, which may even involve surrendering passports during international tournaments.
One of the more notable rules is the ban on drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch. This has led to an unusual scenario where supporters can legally drink in the concourse but risk committing a criminal offence by stepping slightly to where the pitch is visible. The risk here is that this restriction, while intended to reduce disorder, has had unintended consequences – such as encouraging excessive-drinking before matches and creating overcrowded, sometimes uncomfortable, concourse areas during half-time.
Interestingly, these laws do not apply uniformly across all levels of football. Lower league and non-league matches often allow drinking in view of the pitch. The rules also primarily target men’s football, with women’s matches historically subject to fewer restrictions.
What sets football apart? Other sports – rugby, cricket, horse racing, boxing, and even Wimbledon – do not face the same legal constraints. Spectators at these events can typically enjoy a drink while watching the action. While incidents of disorder have occurred in these sports, they have not prompted the same legislative response.
The roots of football’s unique legal treatment lie in the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, introduced following high-profile tragedies like the Heysel Stadium disaster. This was followed by the Football Spectators Act 1989 and the Football Offences Act 1991, which created specific offences and enforcement mechanisms for football-related behaviour.
However, the social landscape has changed. Football stadiums today are safer and more family friendly. As Professor Pearson pointed out, many football-specific offences duplicate existing criminal laws. This then raises the question: are these football specific restrictions still necessary?
The ban on drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch at football matches in England and Wales remains in place under the 1985 Act. However, the Government is reviewing this law as part of broader discussions about football governance. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (“DCMS”) is considering pilot programmes in lower leagues, balancing club commercial interests with public safety.
Currently, a trial allowing alcohol consumption is underway at select Women’s Championship matches, and results may inform future policy for men’s games. Changes to the ban would require new legislation and were not included in the Football Governance Act 2025, which focuses on financial sustainability and regulatory reform. Stakeholders like the EFL, FSA, Home Office, UK Football Policing Unit, and SGSA are involved in ongoing discussions.
Football crowds today are considered safer and more family-oriented than decades ago, with serious violence now rare due to improved policing and stadium design. Some experts believe football-specific laws may duplicate general criminal law and could be outdated. Safe standing and controlled alcohol trials suggest evolving attitudes, and the law may soon reflect these cultural changes.
In our view, it is important that the regulatory framework is evaluated on an ongoing basis, so that the rules of engagement accurately and effectively achieve their aims and command the confidence of those who are required to follow them. The public interest in ensuring the legal and regulatory framework is monitored for effectiveness is as compelling in sport safety as it is in other workplace health and safety.
At Clarke Willmott LLP, we understand the complexities of sports regulation and the importance of balancing safety with fairness. Our sports law team has over 25 years of experience advising clubs, governing bodies, and athletes on a wide range of legal issues – from regulatory compliance and disciplinary matters to commercial contracts and venue management.
As the conversation around football fan regulation continues, we are well-positioned to support clients navigating this evolving legal terrain. Whether you are a club seeking guidance on crowd management policies or a governing body reviewing compliance frameworks, our team offers clear, practical advice tailored to the realities of professional sport. For more information on how Clarke Willmott LLP supports clients in the sports sector, visit our Sports Law page: https://www.clarkewillmott.com/legal-expertise/sport/.
Written by Matthew Burgess, paralegal in our Commercial and Private Client Litigation team.
Football supporters are one of the most regulated communities… in the UK.