Newcastle United are heading to Wembley Stadium for the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
The Magpies will face off against Manchester United as they return to the iconic venue for the first time in 24 years, and fans will be out in force to cheer them on. With thousands of Geordies expected to descend on London for the occasion, there are some things that are definitely worth knowing about before they make the journey.
There are a number of strict rules in place both inside and outside Wembley Stadium that supporters must make sure they adhere too - or else risk missing out on the match and in some cases being slapped with a fine. If you're heading to Wembley for the game, here's everything you need to know according to event organisers.
READ MORE: Pubs in Wembley and where to go for a pint at the Newcastle Carabao Cup final
Outside the stadium
No drinking policy
There is a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place in Wembley, which enforces a no-drinking policy on any street space in or around the stadium. This law means that alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas, such as pubs and fan zones.
The order also means that shops and off-licences around the stadium are banned from selling alcohol on match days. Enforcement officers will be operating in the area, and have the power to confiscate alcohol as well as hand out fines on the spot of up to £100 for anyone caught breaching this rule.
There will be a designated Newcastle Fan Zone in Arena Square, to the west of the stadium, where supporters will be able to safely enjoy alcoholic drinks. The Fan Zone will be open from 1pm and stop serving alcohol one hour before kick-off at 4:30pm. Supporters will need to present a valid stadium ticket to enter the area, which has a limited capacity.
Public Space Protection Order
The PSPO also covers a range of other activities that are deemed as anti-social behaviour. To avoid a fine, supporters should steer clear of:
Use of illegal drugs or psychoactive substances
Littering (urination or defecation)
Littering (spitting)
Littering (bottles, cans, packets, food, paper, chewing gum, cigarette butts etc.)
Illegal trading (food or other items in the street)
Illegal trading of merchandise
Illegal trading of tickets (ticket touting)
Busking without consent
Pyrotechnics (including fireworks, flares or smoke emitters)
Obstruction of the public highway, preventing the free flow of person’s movement
Flying of drones
Inside the stadium
Seating
Supporters must be sure to check that they are seated in the appropriate area of the stadium, or risk missing out on the historic game. Anyone who is found to be in opposition areas will be ejected from the stadium for breaching the FA's ground regulations, as well as being subject to Newcastle United's own club sanctions process.
Standing
Unless you have a ticket for the safe standing area, persistent standing during a match at Wembley Stadium is strictly forbidden. This is a breach of crowd safety as well as potentially affecting the experience of your fellow spectators, particularly children and elderly people, and could result in you being ejected from the ground.
Bag Policy
Wembley Stadium has restrictions on what you can bring inside, with each person only allowed one small bag. This must be no bigger than A4 size - a height of 297mm (11.7 inches), a width of 210mm (8.27 inches) and a depth of 210mm (8.27 inches) - and this applies to the overall size of the bag, not just how much is full.
Anyone who is carrying a bag that does not meet this criteria will be refused entry to the stadium, so make sure you measure your bag before the day to double-check and avoid missing out on the match.
Pyrotechnics
The use of any pyrotechnics, including fireworks, flares and smoke devices, is prohibited both inside and outside the stadium. Anyone caught carrying or using these will be ejected from the stadium and banned from future events, as well as risking police action.
Anti-social behaviour
The stadium also operates a zero-tolerance policy on any form of anti-social and discriminatory behaviour. If you witness any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour on the day, text HELP to 66566 or contact your nearest steward.
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