Football (Offences) Act 1991

The Football Offences Act 1991 is an act of the UK Parliament signed into law on 27 June 1991.^[1] Its creation was intended to curb "disorderly conduct", otherwise known as football hooliganism. It banned the throwing of missiles, indecent and racist chants, and pitch invasions (among other "disorderly conduct").^[1]

Football (Offences) Act 1991

Act of Parliament
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	An Act to make further provision with respect to disorderly conduct by persons attending football matches; and for connected purposes.
Citation	1991 c. 19
Dates
Royal assent	27 June 1991
Status: Current legislation
Text of statute as originally enacted
Text of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

At the end of the 2021–2022 season, there were several pitch invasions, which led clubs to be more rigorous in seeking prosecutions under the act, which previously had not been stringently enforced.^[2] Prosecution will now be considered the "default response."^[3]