• You can receive a football banning order if you are convicted of a football-related offence, or if the police or Crown Prosecution Service apply for one based on your behavior.

  • Section 4 of the Public Order Act 1986 deals with threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour intended to cause fear of violence. In the context of football, this can include actions taken during or related to a match. Offenders can face fines and other penalties.

  • Section 14A of the Football Spectators Act 1989 mandates a banning order for individuals convicted of relevant football-related offences. The court must impose the order unless there are exceptional circumstances.

  • The duration of a football banning order ranges from 3 to 10 years, depending on the circumstances of the offence

  • A football banning order itself is not a criminal record, but breaching its terms is a criminal offence. Any breach can lead to a criminal conviction

  • Yes. Appeals can be made to the Crown Court within 21 days of the order being issued. You can apply to vary or terminate the order if two-thirds of its duration has passed.

  • Yes, it is a criminal offence to go onto the playing area of a football pitch without lawful authority or excuse. Offenders can face fines and other penalties.

  • If you have a football banning order, you may be required to surrender your passport during certain periods, especially when international matches are taking place.

  • Yes, you can coach football with a criminal record in the UK, but you must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The eligibility to coach, especially with youth, depends on the nature of your offences and whether they bar you from working with children. Each case is assessed individually, considering factors like the offence’s relevance to the role and how long ago it was committed.

  • Drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at football matches is illegal under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985.

Sources: gov.uk, cps.gov.uk, sentencingcouncil.org.uk, legislation.gov.uk, thefa.com