According to numbers released yesterday, the number of football hooligan arrests has risen to its highest level in eight years.
In the 2021–22 season, there were 2,198 football-related arrests, which is an increase of 59% over the previous pre–pandemic era in 2018–19.
According to Home Office statistics, there were 57 banning orders issued to Birmingham City supporters, followed by 52 for Millwall supporters and 46 for Bolton Wanderers supporters.
1,609 matches this season had problems recorded, an increase of 60% from 2018-19.
Home Office minister Jeremy Quin said: “It is intolerable that a small number of self-centered troublemakers taint the game we all adore.”
The rise in football-related arrests demonstrates that police are acting firmly to suppress this disruption and protect the pleasure of the game for spectators and families.
Beginning in July of this year, the Home Office expanded the purview of football banning orders to include online hate crimes.
It will make it possible to issue banning orders to criminals who, for instance, use social media to launch racist or homophobic assaults relating to football.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the spokesman for the National Police Chiefs’ Council on football policing, said: “Disorder is a problem that has not gone away, and throughout the entire last season we saw an increase in crime at football matches across the country – from the Premier League right down to the National League.”
Anyone who commits a criminal offence outside or within a football stadium may anticipate facing the repercussions of their conduct, he said.
“The rise in arrests shows that the police are acting responsibly and closely collaborating with the Crown Prosecution Service.”
“We need to work together to create a safe atmosphere for football for the vast majority of fans who simply want to enjoy the game,”
According to preliminary police statistics for the 2021–22 season, 74 online occurrences may have met the criteria for being considered online hate crimes. The statistics for the next year will include online incidences.
Ministers have also declared that drug usage associated with football would be subject to banning orders.
Anyone found in possession of Class A drugs, or caught selling them, in relation to football may face a five-year attendance ban.
They may also have their passports taken away, which would prevent them from visiting international venues.