Football-related arrests have risen in the last 12 months, Home Office figures show
Thursday 24 November 2016 12:01, UK
Football-related arrests have increased for the first time in three years according to new figures released by the Home Office.
In total, 1,895 arrests were made in the period between July 1 2015 and July 10 2016 - up 1 per cent from last year's total of 1,873.
However, despite this small rise, football-related arrests have largely declined over the last five seasons, with a decrease of around one fifth since the 2010/11 campaign.
Worryingly for English Football League chiefs, almost a quarter of this year's arrests were made in connection with Sky Bet Championship matches.
In total 470 arrests were made in connection with matches played in English football's second tier.
Arrests for violent disorder were the highest for three seasons, according to the figures, although the most common causes for arrest were alcohol or public order offences.
Alcohol offences have more than halved in the last five seasons - down to 373 from 800 during the 2011/12 campaign.
Arrests for racist and indecent chanting remained low, with just 17 cases in the last 12 months.
Over the last 12 months, 2,085 football banning orders were in force - down 4 per cent from the number recorded in September last year.
Premier League clubs accounted for almost a third of the orders although, for the first time, the number of new football banning orders handed out in the Championship has exceeded those in the top-flight.
However, the total number of banning orders has been in steady decline over the last four seasons, falling by almost a quarter from a high of 2,731 recorded on November 9, 2012.
Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4!
