Two men have become the first in England to be convicted for breaking a new tailgating law at last month’s Carabao Cup final.
New legislation on unauthorised entry to football matches came into effect before Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Arsenal at Wembley on 22 March.
Police arrested and charged three men under the new legislation, with the first two having been issued with three-year banning orders.
Kamal McEwan has also been fined £471 for unauthorised entry while Alex Clark was fined £1,862 for unauthorised entry and possession of a Class A drug.
Both rulings were confirmed at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 10 April, with the third man due to appear in court on 1 May.
“This new legislation is already having a real and immediate impact,” said Wembley Stadium director Mark Lynch.
“Previously, there were no specific criminal penalties for those trying to enter the stadium without a ticket, placing significant pressure on our crowd safety teams. This new legislation now closes that gap and ensures offenders are dealt with appropriately.
“These cases send a clear message that any attempt to gain unauthorised access to football matches will not be tolerated and will result in firm action including large fines and lengthy football banning orders.”
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Top seeds advance at National Table Tennis Tournament in Osun
Top seeds marched smoothly into the knockout stage at the 6th Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Tournament, currently underway in the historic town of Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.
More than 200 players from across Nigeria are competing for a ₦5 million prize pool at the national championships, which has grown into one of the country’s premier fixtures on the sporting calendar.
The tournament has turned Otan Ayegbaju into a vibrant hub of sporting excellence. At the opening ceremony, Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, urged participants to combine discipline with talent.
He praised sponsor Ayodeji Alabi for his consistency in sustaining the event and called on other Nigerians to use sports as a tool to curb youth restiveness.
“I want you to be good ambassadors of your states. Success is not only about being great athletes but also about character. Avoid doping and substances that can harm your future,” Adewusi advised.
Men’s singles defending champion and top seed, Abdulbasit Abdulfatai of Kwara, battled through a tough contest to reach the last 16, while women’s singles top seed, Hope Udoaka, continued her impressive run.
This year’s edition features 14 events across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and veteran categories, including U-15, men’s, and women’s competitions. The prize money has been increased from ₦3.5 million to ₦5 million, underscoring the tournament’s growing stature.
Tournament referee John Peters commended the sponsor for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
“I must commend the friendly environment provided, especially for players and officials to relax after each day. It has been a worthwhile experience that often fosters friendships among the athletes, and this alone motivates them to perform better,” Peters said.
Organised by the Osun State Table Tennis Association under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, and supported by the Michael and Felicia Alabi Foundation, the tournament is being staged at the newly constructed Idera Multi-Purpose Hall in Otan Ayegbaju.
