Drug offences behind 14% rise in arrests at football games in England and Wales

The number of arrests at football matches in England and Wales increased by 14% in 2023-24, but the number of matches at which incidents were reported fell. Police said the numbers were evidence of a more “proactive” approach to dealing with trouble at grounds.

According to Home Office statistics, 2,584 football-related arrests were made last season, up from 2,264 the previous year and largely driven by an increase in the number of individuals arrested over class A drugs. The number of banning orders in England and Wales also rose, to an active total of 2,172, an increase of 34%. The number of matches reporting incidents stood at 1,341, a decrease of 17%.

The head of football policing in England and Wales, Mark Roberts, said the period covered record attendances and showed some positive trends after the increase in disorder reported when fans returned after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While the total number of incidents is still above pre-pandemic levels, it’s encouraging to see them stabilising and going in the right direction, with a 12% fall in the number of matches where football-related incidents were reported,” said Roberts, the chief constable of Cheshire. “That correlates with the proactive approach we have seen from police forces across the country.

“It is important that these figures are put into context. Last season, around 47 million people attended men’s domestic and international matches, the highest number we have on record, and the vast majority of football fans are law-abiding citizens who want to support their team.

“However, there are a small number of fans who commit offences and we will continue to work closely with the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] and our other partners to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

Home Office data makes clear a persistent rise in arrests in the seasons that have followed the pandemic, coming after years of decline. The club with the most arrests were West Ham for the third season running. West Ham recorded 103 arrests, ahead of Manchester City and Manchester United (both 88). The number of arrests in the top five divisions in England was up by six on the year before. There were no arrests at women’s football.