'Middle-Class Coke Heads' Who Take Drugs At Football Matches Could Face Ban

Under new government rules, 'middle-class coke heads' could face a five-year ban from football matches.

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse is set to announce today (19 May) that anyone convicted of taking or selling class A drugs at football matches could face a lengthy ban.

The new rules come as part of the government's bid to crack down on violence at sporting events.

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In addition to the ban, anyone convicted while watching a game abroad may have to give over their passports.

Malthouse said that class A drugs are 'at the heart' of rowdy behaviour at matches, as reported by Sky News.

"More and more, the police are finding class A drugs at the heart of that disorder and so we must act.

"The football family wants every ground to be a safe space for fans, especially children, and so do we."

The minister went on to say that prior bans have been a 'game-changer' in 'rooting out racism and violence' from the sport, and it's hoped the new rules will have the same impact on the 'drug related disorder' seen at matches.

Malthouse went on to affirm: "The government is determined to drive down drug use and bring home to all who take them that drugs bring consequences."

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The prime minister seemed to echo these thoughts, saying ahead of the announcement: "Middle-class coke heads should stop kidding themselves, their habit is feeding a war on our streets driving misery and crime across our country and beyond.

"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."

The new rules are expected to be introduced as early as the 2022/2023 season, due to police worries over drug use spurring violent behaviour at matches.

Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs' Council spokesman, said: "I am pleased the Government has updated the football banning order legislation to counter the growing issues of disorder we have seen, in part driven by the use of Class A drugs.

"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."

The UK's football policing unit is also said to be coordinating with police forces and clubs to 'ensure that we make the best use of this legislation'.