January 13 – The number of arrests at English football matches in the first half of the season is up by 10% on the last campaign, including 28 assaults.
New data released by the UK Football Policing Unit shows that, while there has been an overall decrease in the number of incidents, there were increases in the use of pyrotechnics and missiles, attacks on stadium staff as well as drug-taking and possession.
Significantly there were 343 new football banning orders issued, a 230% increase.
“Disorder at football has sadly not gone away,” said Chief Constable Mark Roberts said.
The report, covering all fixtures from the Premier League down to the National League as well as European and international games played in England and Wales, also showed there were 29 incidents of online hate crime allegations, a 53% increase compared with the previous season.
“Whilst the total number of incidents reported is down, this is still the second highest figure we have seen, and it is particularly concerning to see a rise in pyrotechnics, missiles, drug use and attacks on stadium staff,” said Roberts.
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