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Fan faces jail after going into Wembley VIP area

PA Media Steven Carruthers leaving court. He has dark hair and is wearing glasses, a dark top and a cream padded gillet. He is carrying a blue rucksack and is holding a blue folder.PA Media
Steven Carruthers admitted obtaining services dishonestly at Willesden Magistrates' Court

A man who made his way unauthorised into the VIP area of Wembley Stadium to watch the Champions League final with his young son could face jail, a court heard.

Steven Carruthers and his four-year-old son mingled with fashion model Naomi Campbell and heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk at the game between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in June last year.

Willesden Magistrates' Court in London heard the pair were in an area not open to the general public where hospitality packages cost £21,800 "at the lowest".

Carruthers, 34, from Hull has pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining services dishonestly.

Prosecutor Rachna Gokani told the court: "The defendant involved his young son who was four years old at the time in order to assist his illegal entrance into the stadium.

"He was wearing a suit for the specific purpose of looking like he was entitled to these services."

Ms Gokani said Carruthers went on to "advertise his offending" in a national newspaper, "essentially boasting about gaining entry - something he said he had done previously".

Quoting a probation officer who met Carruthers prior to the hearing, Ms Gokani added: "He had no shame or remorse and was clearly proud of what he had accomplished."

Ms Gokani said the offending and its subsequent "advertisement" in the national press posed security risks for Wembley Stadium and prompted the Football Association to bring a prosecution.

Reuters Exterior of Wembley Stadium showing the white arch and signs saying London 2024 final with fans wearing football kits gathering for the 2024 European Champions League final Reuters
Steven Carruthers and his son entered a restricted VIP area at Wembley Stadium

Carruthers, who represented himself in court, apologised after he was told the offence carried a maximum sentence of three years in jail.

"I'm regretful of what I did. It really does worry me about jail, to be honest," he said.

"I don't really want to ruin my kids' future."

He told the panel as he left the dock: "I think it's excessive. I've not hurt anyone."

Sentencing will be at Harrow Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

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