Arrests and reported incidents of disorder at football matches in England and Wales last season were at their highest level for eight years.
There were 2,198 football-related arrests, the highest number since the 2013-14 season, according to Home Office figures.
The 2021-22 campaign saw the return of capacity crowds after a year of Covid-19 restrictions.
Last season’s disorder included players being approached after pitch invasions.
A fan was jailed after running on to a pitch and headbutting Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp at the end of Nottingham Forest’s play-off match against the Blades.
A Manchester City fan who ran onto the pitch and taunted Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen on the final day of the season at Etihad Stadium received a four-year football banning order.
More reported incidents and more arrests – key stats
- Incidents were reported at more than half of all matches (53%) – 1,609 of the 3,019 matches played
- In 2018-19 – the last full season before Covid-19 restrictions – there were reported incidents at 1,007 matches, equivalent to one-third of the games played
- It means reported incidents were up by 60% last season compared with 2018-19
- There were 441 pitch invasions reported last season – up by 127% on 2018-19
- Football-related arrests were up 59% – the highest number of arrests since 2,273 were made in 2013-14
- 516 new banning orders were issued
- The most reported types of incidents were pyrotechnics (729 matches where incidents were reported), throwing missiles (561) and public order or anti-social behaviour incidents involving youth supporters (444).
It follows recent comments by England internationals Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier, who both say there is an issue with fan behaviour at football.
Tottenham’s Dier says he feels “too uncomfortable” for his family to attend away matches, while Liverpool captain Henderson says his family’s experiences could “put them off going to future games”.
More to follow.
