The club have announced an updating of their bag policy for the rest of the 2026/27 season as follows:

"The club 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.