A chief constable has expressed concern over a “predictably challenging” policing operation in the UK during England’s World Cup campaign – with arrest figures higher than the two previous major tournaments.
Police chief Mark Roberts, who is head of the UK’s football policing unit (UKFPU), said it is “disappointing” there has been a rise in alcohol and domestic abuse-related incidents in England and Wales.
The Three Lions secured first place in their World Cup group following a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday – setting up a knock-out tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Figures released by the football policing unit show 88 people had been arrested in England and Wales for football-related incidents as of Monday – more than the 66 recorded during Euro 2024 and the 56 from the World Cup in 2022.
The UKFPU said 463 football-related incidents have been recorded during the World Cup group stages – which police said is “significantly higher” than the 304 from Euro 2024 and the 291 from the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
Mr Roberts previously voiced his concerns over the Government’s decision to allow a blanket extension of pub opening hours during the tournament, urging ministers not to “pass the buck on to policing”.
It is the first time in a decade the relaxation of alcohol licensing hours will apply to the round of 32 and 16 – with the police chief saying “common sense tells you that is going to give us more problems”.
The UKPFU said as of Monday, 162 incidents had been recorded in licensed premises, alongside 109 domestic incidents.
On Tuesday, Mr Roberts said: “While the picture abroad has been predictably positive, sadly it’s predictably challenging domestically, as the figures show.
“To keep it in context we have not seen large scale disorder, but given the team has successfully negotiated the group stage it is disappointing that we have seen increased incidents associated to alcohol consumption and domestic abuse.
“I would urge anyone who suffers domestic abuse to contact the police who will support you.”
The Cheshire Constabulary chief constable also praised England fans who had travelled to follow the team in the US as only five arrests have been made by American authorities to date.
The football policing unit said two England fans had been arrested for unauthorised entries to the stadium in New Jersey, one was arrested for being drunk and disorderly for his own safety, another for theft from a shop and one for a motor vehicle incident.
All five men have been released by US authorities and referred to the UKPFU.
Commenting on the behaviour of England fans in the US, Mr Roberts said: “The behaviour of England fans – and of course the Scots – has been excellent throughout the group stages of the World Cup.
“In our pre-briefs we stressed to local law enforcement the positive record of our fans at recent World Cups, and it is great to see that continuing and the fans being policed according to their behaviour, not an outdated reputation.”
