Public Order Offences Act 1986

Organisation responsible: 

UK Police Forces

Strategic field: 

☒ Gender equality in officiating

Type of resource/practice: 

☒ Legislation, policies, standards and guidelines

Target group(s): 

☒ Supporters in stadia

Brief desciption of the resource/practice: 

The Public Order Offences Act 1986, allows police officers to arrest an individual for using words which could offend the victim. For instance, where an offender starts to sing derogatory songs towards a female match official, they can be arrested and charged with a Public Order Offences Act.

More information available at: 

Public Order Act 1986 (legislation.gov.uk) (S.4)
Public Order Act 1986 (legislation.gov.uk) (S.4a)
Public Order Act 1986 (legislation.gov.uk) (S.5)

 Contact person: 

• Name:Sam Baker
• Organisation:UK Football Policing Unit
• Email:[email protected]