One Fan’s Story

Early in 2024, there was a confrontation between opposing groups of hundreds of fans at a game between Arsenal and Chelsea. During the incident, the two groups of fans exchanged insults outside the Emirates Stadium. Each side goaded the other, as the police looked on.  

One fan, Jake*, was seen calling an opposition fan a ‘c***’ and was alleged to have behaved in a threatening way. The confrontation was caught on security cameras outside the stadium, and on the body worn cameras of the police officers. One of those officers arrested Jake and he ended up on trial. 

Jake appeared at a City of London Magistrates Court accused of Fear or Provocation of Violence, a public order offence. If found guilty, he would have received a criminal record, along with a banning order that would have prevented him going to games for years.  

With effective legal support, Jake was found not guilty. His solicitor successfully challenged the prosecution’s claims, and even turned the police officer’s evidence back against the prosecution. Jake walked away from court without a criminal record, and is free to attend games.  

(The name’s of individuals and clubs have been changed to maintain confidentiality).

This case study was provided by

Tuckers Solicitors

24 hour criminal law firm with over 40 years of experience nationwide