Summary
The Football Spectators Act 1989, enacted in response to football hooliganism and the Hillsborough disaster, provides for football banning orders — civil orders preventing individuals from attending regulated football matches in England and Wales and requiring surrender of passports during international tournaments. It also established the Football Licensing Authority (now the Sports Grounds Safety Authority).
Key Points
- Football banning orders on conviction for football-related offences (s.14A)
- Banning orders on complaint (civil standard of proof) (s.14B)
- Requirement to surrender passport during control periods (s.14E)
- Duration: 3–5 years (no custodial sentence) or 6–10 years (with) (s.14F)
- Sports Grounds Safety Authority role in ground safety (Part I)
- Offence to breach a banning order (s.14J)
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2000 — Football (Disorder) Act 2000
Strengthened banning order regime and introduced banning orders on complaint.