‘Middle-class coke heads’ taking drugs at football matches face five-year ban
The government has announced that “middle-class coke heads” who take drugs at football matches could be banned for five years.
Under the new rules, which were announced by Policing Minister Kit Malthouse yesterday, are part of the government’s bid to stop violence and disorder at sports matches, and could see anyone convicted of taking or selling Class A drugs ordered to surrender their passports when their football team is playing abroad.
The measures are expected to be introduced during the 2022-2023 season.
The announcement follows growing police concern that drug abuse is fuelling a rise in violence at matches, and comes after incidents such as the scenes were thousands of ticketless fans tried to get into Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy last July, which lead to chaos around the stadium and Wembley Way.
There was also widespread reports of mass alcohol and drug consumption, and the government hopes these the new measures will prevent such disorder.
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On the announcement of the new measures, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that “middle-class coke heads” are driving crime across the UK, adding that they: “Should stop kidding themselves, their habit is feeding a war on our streets, and driving misery and crime across our country and beyond.”
He continued: “That’s why we are stepping up our efforts to make sure those who break the law face the full consequences, because taking illegal drugs is never a victimless crime.”
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse also added: “It’s been a thrilling football season, but at some games we’ve seen ugly violence that that has shocked all the leagues [and] more and more, the police are finding Class A drugs at the heart of that disorder and so we must act.”
He said that such bans have been successful in the past, adding: “Football banning orders have been a game-changer in rooting out racism and violence at football, and now we want them to do the same for drug-related disorder.
“The government is determined to drive down drug use and bring home to all who take them that drugs bring consequences.”
The National Police Chief’s Council has backed the move.
NPCC Football lead Mark Roberts said: “Policing and football authorities all support this measure and it is an important step in ensuring that the use of drugs at football is tackled so the majority of fans, particularly those with families, can enjoy themselves without suffering anti-social behaviour and violence.”
Featured Image – Piqsels