Police are set to receive new powers to drug test football fans who commit criminal offences at matches, as part of upcoming legislation.
The Home Office has announced the expansion of current drug testing capabilities through the Crime and Policing Bill, due to be introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks.
Currently, police can only test for Class A drugs in cases involving crimes such as theft, robbery and handling stolen goods.
The new legislation will extend testing powers to include offences under the Football Offences Act 1991 and Public Order Act 1986.
Police are set to receive new powers to drug test football fans who commit criminal offences at matches, as part of upcoming legislation
PA
Under the proposed legislation, fans could face drug testing for a range of match-day offences including violence, pitch invasion and throwing missiles.
The new powers will also apply to those involved in racist, indecent or tragedy chanting at football grounds.
Testing capabilities will be expanded beyond Class A substances to include certain Class B and C drugs.
Police are keen to clamp down on anti-social behaviour at football matches
PA
Those who test positive for possession or supply of Class A drugs at matches could face football banning orders or imprisonment.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasised the government's commitment to match-day safety, stating: "Police forces work tirelessly to ensure dedicated football fans can attend fixtures safely week in, week out."
"However, there are still individuals who choose to use football matches as an excuse to take part in mindless criminal behaviour and we will not stand for that," she added.
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The minister said the new powers were part of the government's Plan for Change, aimed at combating illegal drug misuse and preventing "needless criminal acts" at football matches.
"This behaviour will not be tolerated," she declared.
Recent statistics show there were 344 arrests for possession or use of Class A drugs during the 2023 to 2024 football season.
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The new measures follow findings from Baroness Casey's independent review of the UEFA Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Her review concluded that illegal drugs and alcohol were driving factors behind the widespread disorder witnessed that day.
The government's response aims to address these concerns by expanding police powers to tackle substance-related offences at football matches.
The latest figures show 2,264 football-related arrests were made during the 2022/23 season.
Police will have the power to test for Class A, Class B and Class C drugs under new legislation
PA
This represents a significant decrease from historical levels of match-day disorder.
During the 1988/89 season, approximately 6,000 football-related arrests were recorded.
The new drug testing powers form part of ongoing efforts to maintain this downward trend in football-related crime.
