Man City and Man Utd among clubs with most arrests and banning orders in 2021-22 Premier League season

The number of reports of disorder at football matches in England and Wales shot up by 60% last season, compared to the season prior to the Covid pandemic.

Figures issued by the Home Office today show there were 1,609 incidents reported in 2021-22 at the 3,109 matches played across the leagues.

And arrests rose by 59% across the same period to an eight-year high of  2,198.

In terms of banning orders, there were 516 new orders made last season across the leagues, slightly less than in the last comparable season.

Which Premier League club had the most arrests and banning order?

In the Premier League, Londoners West Ham had the most arrests at 95, followed by Manchester City on 76 and Manchester United on 72.

With banning orders, Leicester City fans were given the most new orders last season on 28, followed by Everton on 26 and Manchester City on 20.

United fans were given 14 banning orders in the same period, and they were mostly given to men aged 18 to 34.

Further details of individual incidents have not been given, but there were 729 matches across England and Wales where people were reported for firework issues, and 561 where missile-throwing was reported.

On Wednesday, the Premier League announced the introduction of a minimum one-year ban from home and away matches for any fan guilty of entering the pitch or carrying or using pyrotechnics. Banning orders have also been extended to cover anyone found guilty of an online hate crime connected to football, such as tweeting abuse at a player.

What has been said about the figures?

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, said today: “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.

“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.”

Minister for the Home Office Jeremy Quin added: “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.”