The number of Newcastle and Sunderland fans arrested for football-related offences last season dropped compared to the last full campaign played in front of spectators but there is concern about a rise in disorder around matches across the country.
Between the Tyne-Wear Derby rivals, 46 fans were arrested last season for football-related offences, with 21 new banning orders issued.
Nationally, the number of football-related arrests in England and Wales last season increased by 59% compared to the 2018/19 campaign, the last full season fans were allowed into stadiums before the Covid-19 hit 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.
The figures released by the Home Office record arrests, but that does not mean each arrest was or will be followed by a charge or successful prosecution.
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Police say there has been a "worrying rise" in football-related crime in England and Wales, which forces around the country are pledging to tackle this season, including a clamp down on cocaine use. The Home Office will add possession or sale of drugs to the offences that can land fans with a banning order. Both the Premier League and English Football League say drug offences will be punished with automatic one-year bans.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, said: “We know that drug use, along with alcohol, is one of the key factors which leads to disorderly behaviour, and we are pleased that the Government is adding Class A drugs offences to the banning order legislation.
“This will provide police with another option to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour by those who are under the influence of drugs.
“Anyone who commits a criminal offence either outside or inside a football ground can expect to face the consequences of their actions.
“The increase in arrests and football banning orders demonstrates that the police are taking positive action to tackle the problems, working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.
“We collectively need to make football a safe environment for the overwhelming majority of supporters who just want to enjoy the game.”
There were 25 Newcastle fans arrested for football-related crimes last season, 13 of which were at away games, according to the data. Eight arrests were for alcohol-related offences or driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Two were for violent disorder, six for public disorder and three for possession of pyrotechnics, among other crimes.
In 2018/19, the last season played in full in front of fans before the Covid pandemic, 30 Newcastle followers were arrested for football-related offences.
Sunderland had 21 fans arrested for football-related offences in 2021/2022. Of those, 10 were lifted at away fixtures. Of the 21 detained by police last season, 11 were arrested for public disorder and three for pitch invasions, among other offences. Sunderland had 34 supporters arrested for football-related offences in 2018/19.
Superintendent Paul Walters, of Northumbria Police, said: “Football fans here in the North East are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the entire country, and we are proud of the excellent relationship we have with our clubs, supporter groups and fans more widely.
“The overwhelming majority of those who attend matches do so responsibly and safely, but when pockets of disorder do arise, it is imperative we deal with those involved swiftly and robustly.
“Football banning orders are among many tactics we use to tackle and deter disorder on matchdays, which prevent individuals from watching any regulated football match in the UK for a fixed period.
“The safety of spectators is paramount, and we will continue to work with everyone to ensure the matchday experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible for all.”
Nationally, last season, 2,198 fans were arrested for football-related disorder for matches in England's top five leagues, 411 were for violent disorder and 736 were for public disorder. In 2018/19, 1,021 were arrested, a figure which was lower than any of the previous five years.
Back in 2017, 111 Newcastle fans were subject to stadium bans, most of which have now expired. As of July 2022, 21 Newcastle fans were banned, 13 of which were issued last season.
Sunderland had 46 fans barred from attending football matches in 2018. By July 2022 that figure dropped to 14. Eight bans were issued to Sunderland supporters last season.
The two clubs, who share a fierce Tyne-Wear Derby rivalry, have not played each other since 2016.
Birmingham City have the most banned fans, at 57. West Ham top last season's arrest league, with 94 during 2021/2022.
Chief Constable Roberts added: "Disorder is a problem that has not gone away, and throughout the whole of last season we saw an increase in crime at football matches across the country – from the Premier League right down to the National League.
“Following constructive talks with the Premier League, EFL and FA we are keen to support our partners in delivering their proposals – including the introduction of stadium bans for people who enter the pitch, as well as those who use pyrotechnics.
“The statistics released today show a worrying rise in these crimes, which are both extremely dangerous for players, staff and fellow fans alike. As well as being banned, anyone who commits these offences should also expect to be prosecuted by the police."
Minister for the Home Office Jeremy Quin said: “Our football clubs are at the heart of our communities, and it is unacceptable that the game we all love is tarnished by a minority of selfish troublemakers.
“The increase in football-related arrests shows that police are taking firm action to stop this disorder and preserve the enjoyment of the game for fans and families which I wholeheartedly support.”
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