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%.
