REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has been appointed to the House of Commons Committee scrutinising the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill – a piece of legislation designed to strengthen safety and security at football grounds across England and Wales.
The Bill, introduced by Labour MP Linsey Farnsworth creates a specific criminal offence for unauthorised entry to football matches.
Under the proposed law, individuals who force their way into stadiums without valid tickets – including by tailgating, using fake passes or impersonating officials – could face a criminal conviction, fines of up to £1,000 and football banning orders lasting up to five years.
The legislation directly follows one of the key recommendations of the independent review commissioned by the FA into the disorder at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, when around 2,000 ticketless fans stormed the stadium, placing thousands of genuine supporters in serious danger.
The review, led by Baroness Casey, warned similar incidents in the future could lead to deaths.
The Bill has won the backing of both the Government and football authorities and has strong prospects of becoming law well ahead of the UK and Ireland hosting Euro 2028.
Mr Bloore said: “I’m pleased to have been appointed to this committee to help scrutinise and strengthen this important legislation.
“As a passionate football supporter myself, I know how much the game means to local communities here in Redditch and right across the country.
“Every fan deserves to enjoy the matchday experience safely and without fear of crushes, violence or disorder. The shocking scenes at Wembley during the Euro 2020 final were a wake-up call.”
The committee, which held its first sitting on June 25, will examine the Bill line by line.
MPs will hear evidence from football authorities, police, safety experts and fan groups to ensure the legislation is robust and strikes the right balance — deterring dangerous behaviour while preserving the positive, vibrant atmosphere that makes football special.
Mr Bloore added: “Football sits right at the heart of our community in Redditch.
“This legislation will give the police, clubs and courts the tools they need to clamp down on those trying to bypass safety measures, helping to ensure families and supporters can continue to enjoy the game in a secure environment.”
The legislation is expected to progress through Parliament in the coming months
