The club have worked closely with supporter representatives to update our bag policy for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
The policy was introduced to strengthen the club’s safety and security arrangements ahead of the implementation of new legislation named Martyn’s Law. Restrictions on the size of bags permitted into stadiums are already standard practice across much of the top two tiers of English football, and we believe it is important that The Valley continues to move in the same direction.
Having listened to supporter feedback following the introduction of the policy, the club can confirm an updated approach that will allow larger bags into The Valley for the remainder of the season while maintaining the enhanced safety and security measures already in place.
From Saturday, October 10th, for the Sky Bet Championship fixture against Bristol City (12.30pm BST), supporters will be permitted to bring bags measuring up to 45cm (height) x 35cm (width) x 15cm (depth) into the stadium on matchdays. This is equivalent to approximately 24 litres of volume. This includes standard-sized backpacks, rucksacks and tote bags. Supporters may also use transparent bags, provided they meet the permitted dimensions. Reusable transparent bags are available to purchase from the Valley Superstore.
The change follows consultation with the Charlton Athletic Supporters' Trust (CAST) and the club’s Fan Advocates. The club will review the policy, with supporter representatives ahead of the 2027/28 season following the expected full implementation of Martyn’s Law in spring 2027.
The updated policy applies to both home and away supporters attending fixtures in SE7.
A Bag Drop service is available on matchdays for supporters who are unable to bring their bag into the stadium. Located at the Covered End reception, the service will open two hours before kick-off.
The Bag Drop is operated by club staff on every matchday, and a charge applies to cover this cost. For the remainder of the 2026/27 season, the club will subsidise the service, with the cost reduced to £5 for all bags. Supporters using the service will also have the option to collect a free transparent bag for use at future fixtures.
Bags exceeding the permitted dimensions, including large rucksacks, holdalls and suitcases, will not be allowed into the stadium. Supporters bringing larger bags are advised to make use of the Bag Drop service. All bags remain subject to security checks upon entry. Supporters can apply for a medical exemption by filling in this form up to 48 hours before kick-off of the fixture they are looking to get the exemption for.
Club Chairman Gavin Carter said: “The introduction of the bag policy is about making matchdays safer for everyone attending The Valley. As well as helping to reduce the risk posed by any external threat, it also ensures staff can reach supporters more quickly in the event of an emergency.
“We have listened carefully to the feedback from supporters. While there is a cost associated with operating a secure Bag Drop service, we also recognise that additional matchday costs can quickly add up and, for some supporters, can make attending football prohibitively expensive. So for the time being the club is prepared to subsidise the Bag Drop service in order to reduce the cost to supporters.
“Safety and security is a shared responsibility, and we would encourage supporters to only bring bags when necessary. We also understand that this is not always possible, and I’m pleased that by listening to supporter representatives we have been able to make a sensible change which maintains the security benefits of the policy while improving the matchday experience for our fans.”
CAST chair Heather McKinlay said: "CAST is grateful to the club for taking on board fans’ many concerns, while of course we fully understand the need to ensure everyone’s safety and security. We welcome the adaptation of the bag policy for the rest of the season to be more proportionate for the size of The Valley. It is helpful for fans to see that it is now clear and consistent across both midweek and weekend games."
To read the updated policy in full, please click here.
The club will continue to review the policy throughout the remainder of the season and will provide further information ahead of the 2027/28 campaign.
We would like to thank supporters for their feedback, understanding and cooperation as we implement these changes.
See below for a list of frequently asked questions about the club's bag policy.
Why do Charlton have a bag policy?
Bag restrictions are increasingly being introduced at football grounds and other major venues as part of wider measures to improve safety and security on matchdays.
Large or bulky bags can take up valuable space in crowded seating areas and concourses, obstruct walkways and create potential trip hazards. Keeping bags to a manageable size also helps maintain clear access routes, which is particularly important if supporters need to leave an area quickly in an emergency.
Limiting the size of bags brought into the stadium also allows security checks to be carried out more efficiently and can help improve the flow of supporters entering the ground.
The policy is therefore intended to support a safer and more secure matchday environment for everyone attending The Valley.
Is the bag policy related to Martyn’s Law?
The bag policy forms part of the club’s wider approach to improving safety and security at The Valley, including preparations for Martyn’s Law.
Martyn’s Law is designed to help venues improve their security and be better prepared for the risk of terrorist attacks. Measures such as bag checks can form part of these wider security arrangements.
The bag policy also has wider matchday safety benefits, helping to keep walkways and seating areas clear, reduce potential trip hazards and make security checks more effective.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is new legislation designed to improve security and preparedness at venues and events across the UK.
The law is expected to come into force in Spring 2027. It will require certain venues and events to take steps to improve their preparedness for terrorist attacks.
It is named after Martyn Hett, one of 22 people who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, subsequently campaigned for improved security at public venues and helped drive the introduction of the legislation.
What is the new permitted bag size?
From Saturday, October 10th, supporters will be permitted to bring bags measuring up to 45cm (height) x 35cm (width) x 15cm (depth) into The Valley.
This is equivalent to approximately 24 litres of volume and includes standard-sized backpacks, rucksacks and tote bags.
The 45cm x 35cm x 15cm dimensions are the definitive size limit for bags entering the stadium.
When does the new size limit come into effect?
The updated size allowance will come into effect from the Bristol City fixture on Saturday, October 10th and will apply for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
Does the policy apply to away supporters too?
Yes. The bag policy applies to all supporters attending fixtures at The Valley, including both home and away supporters.
Can I bring a transparent bag?
Yes. Transparent bags are permitted, provided they are within the maximum dimensions of 45cm x 35cm x 15cm. Reusable transparent bags can be used, and these are also available to purchase from the club shop.
What happens if my bag is too big?
Bags larger than the permitted dimensions will not be allowed into the stadium. This includes large rucksacks, holdalls and suitcases.
Supporters are therefore advised to check their bag is within the permitted dimensions before travelling to The Valley.
Is there somewhere I can leave my bag if it is too large?
Yes. A Bag Drop service is available at the Covered End reception on matchdays for supporters who are unable to bring their bag into the stadium.
The service will be available from two hours before kick-off and costs a flat fee of £5 per item.
Will my bag be searched?
Yes. All bags brought into The Valley remain subject to security checks upon entry, regardless of their size.
Why has the club changed the policy?
The club has listened to feedback from supporters, Fan Advocates and Charlton Athletic Supporters' Trust following the introduction of the updated policy.
The transitional size of 45cm x 35cm x 15cm will allow supporters more time to adjust to the policy while retaining the safety and security measures that the club has introduced.
Will the bag size change again in the future?
The club will continue to review the policy throughout the remainder of the 2026/27 season and will provide further information ahead of the 2027/28 campaign.
