The government is about to introduce new powers that will allow police to test football fans for drugs if they commit crimes during matches.
This comes after a review of the violence and disorder at the UEFA Euro 2020 final at Wembley, where drug use and criminal behavior were widespread.
Crackdown on Misbehaving Fans
The Home Office announced that officers will now have the authority to test fans who break the law during games.
The goal is to reduce criminal behavior and address the root causes of reoffending.
Currently, police are allowed to test for Class A drugs like cocaine when crimes such as theft, robbery, or possession of illegal drugs are committed.
But the new legislation will broaden this scope, applying to offenses under the Football Offenses Act 1991 and the Public Order Act 1986. That means things like violent behavior, pitch invasions, throwing missiles, and even racist or inappropriate chanting will trigger drug tests.
Numbers Behind the Move
Recent statistics reveal that during the 2023–2024 football season, there were 344 arrests related to the possession or use of Class A drugs at matches.
This rise in offenses has led to calls for tougher measures to curb the problem.
The proposal is part of the Crime and Policing Bill, which will soon be presented to Parliament.
If the bill passes, the new powers will include drug testing for certain Class B and C drugs, alongside the Class A drugs already covered.
Minister’s Statement
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson shared her thoughts on the move, saying that while most football fans enjoy matches safely, a small group uses the events as an opportunity to engage in criminal behavior.
She added that the government is determined to tackle this issue with the new powers, aiming to prevent violence, inappropriate chanting, and the misuse of drugs at football matches.
“This behavior will not be tolerated,” she emphasized.
“We are taking steps to stop the use of illegal substances at football matches.”
The Review That Sparked Change
The decision follows an independent review led by Baroness Casey into the chaotic scenes at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
The review highlighted how illegal drugs and alcohol played a significant role in the violence and disorder that marred the event.
As a result, the government is taking strong measures to ensure that fans who misbehave face consequences.
Anyone who tests positive for possessing or supplying Class A drugs at a football match could face a banning order and possibly even jail time.