Police report 18% rise in disorder at football matches during 2024-25 season

The number of football matches in England and Wales with reported incidents of disorder increased by 18% during the 2024-25 season, according to latest policing figures.

The Home Office says the number of reported incidents rose from 1,341 in 2023-24 to 1,583 and include football-related violence, disorder, anti-social behaviour and harm.

It means at least one incident was reported at more than half of the 3,090 matches played last season from the Premier League down to the National League and games in FA Cup, League Cup, Football League Trophy, Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and international fixtures.

The number of arrests, however, dropped by 11% from 2,167 to 1,932 - a first decrease since fans returned to the stadiums after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The National Police Chiefs' Council said the "worrying level of offending at men's football matches across the country" is putting an increased strain on the police.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, its football policing lead, said the figures show "why it is essential that football clubs need to start paying their fair share towards policing matches."

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