Police handed new power to drug test football fans

It comes after a review of the events of Euro 2020

The Home Office have announced that officers will have the power to test those who commit criminal offences at games as part of a government move to 'tackle the root causes of reoffending and reduce criminal behaviour'.

Police can currently test for Class A drugs such as cocaine for crimes such as theft, robbery, handling stolen goods and possession of an illegal drug.

However, those ‘trigger offences’ are now likely to be extended to acts which sit under the Football Offences Act 1991 and Public Order Act 1986.

There were 344 arrests for possession or use of Class A drugs during the 2023-2024 season according to the latest statistics.

The proposal will form part of the Crime and Policing Bill, which is due to be introduced to Parliament over the coming weeks.

Should the proposal be passed, it will mean offences such as violence, pitch invasion, throwing missiles or racist, indecent or tragedy chanting, will trigger testing.

Police will not only have the power to test for Class A drugs but some Class B and C drugs too.

Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson said: "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.

"As part of our Plan for Change, we are giving the police these wider powers to combat illegal drug misuse and help prevent needless criminal acts at football matches such as violence or tragedy chanting.

"This behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are taking important steps to stop the use of illegal substances at football matches."

The plans come after Baroness Casey's independent review of the events which took place at the UEFA Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

The review found the use of illegal drugs and alcohol drove the widespread thuggery displayed that day.

If fans test positive for possession or supply of Class A drugs at a football match, they face a banning order and could be jailed.