BARNSLEY MPs Dan Jarvis and Stephanie Peacock have backed a new law to tackle tailgating at football matches with tougher sanctions for fans who force and trick their way into grounds without a ticket.

A new bill from Linsey Farnsworth, the Labour MP for Amber Valley, passed in the Commons on July 11, will create a specific criminal offence for tailgating or sneaking into football matches without a valid ticket.

The new law will introduce fines of up to £1,000 and long banning orders to deter this growing problem and protect law-abiding fans from dangerous overcrowding and disorder.

Dan said: “I welcome this important new law and I was pleased to respond to it in Parliament on behalf of the government.

“Tailgating and disorder by a small, disruptive minority are growing problems at football matches.

“Forcing entry without a ticket isn’t just selfish and unfair to law-abiding fans, it’s dangerous.

“This government will not tolerate such reckless behaviour - what’s why we’ve backed this bill to protect law-abiding fans and to keep them safe in stadiums.”

Steph added: “This will ensure that police have the powers to arrest those who attempt to enter a football match without authorisation.

“I am proud that this Labour government have supported this bill to ensure that football fans feel safe when they go to watch a match.”