Fans tuning into the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Leeds risk incurring huge fines amid a government crackdown
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Watching Arsenal's trip to Leeds in the UK could carry a £50,000 penalty(Image: Getty)
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Arsenal have been a must-watch act for the vast majority of this season as they once again challenge for Premier League honours. However, UK fans risk a £50,000 penalty if they try and tune into Saturday's match away to Leeds.
The Gunners visit Elland Road in a bid to get back to winning ways on the domestic front. Mikel Arteta's side are still leading the way at the top – as they have been for most of the season – though both Manchester City and Aston Villa are now just four points behind following Arsenal's shock loss at home to Manchester United less than a week ago.
Saturday's fixture will take place in Yorkshire as one of three 3pm kick-offs in the Premier League. The UK's blackout policy on games at this time means it won't be televised nor available on stream in the UK. However, that will likely not stop some supporters from attempting to tune in via other means which are illegal in the UK.
The rise of modified Amazon fire sticks as a workaround to get access to these games has risen considerably in recent years. However, the Daily Mail has reported Sky is enforcing a strict crackdown in an effort to root out those circumventing the law.
The broadcaster has been working with British authorities in an attempt to ensure the public cannot illegally stream games. Those caught in the act risk could face criminal charges under Section 11 of the 2006 Fraud Act, including a potential fine of up to £50,000. Jail time is also possible.
Research conducted by the Intellectual Property Office ascertained almost 4million people in the UK streamed live sport illegally in 2023.
There have been signs of the crackdown in areas of North Yorkshire and London, where police are raising their activity in a bid to catch culprits. However, a 2026 report by Sports Industry Group indicated the majority of fans are willing to take the risk.
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds
Viktor Gyokeres was on the score sheet when Arsenal hammered Leeds 5-0 at home back in August(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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A staggering 58 per cent of the 1,002 members of the public, as well as 66 per cent of the professionals surveyed, believe it's acceptable to access pirated streams. As well as the rising costs of TV subscriptions, an increase in general ticketing prices is also pushing sports enthusiasts to break the law.
Sport Industry Group chairman Nick Keller said: “Today’s research captures a defining contradiction for sport. The industry is confident, yet it is operating in one of the most unstable global environments for generations.
"Climate disruption, geopolitical tension, AI-driven change, mental-health pressures and social fragmentation are no longer peripheral – they are reshaping how sport operates, competes and grows.
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"This report reflects that tension: optimism about sport’s future, paired with a clear understanding that the next phase of growth will demand more intentional choices than the last."
Arsenal walked away as 5-0 winners when they hosted Leeds in the early stages of this season back in August. Arteta will hope to replicate that result in the wake of recent disappointments as he looks to avoid yet another Premier League title collapse.