English leagues battle rising 'football disorder'

January 13 - The number of arrests at English football matches in the first half of the season is up 10% on the last campaign, including 28 assaults.

New data released by the UK Football Policing Unit shows that although there has been an overall decrease in the number of incidents, there has been an increase in the use of pyrotechnics and missiles, attacks on stadium personnel, and drug and property use.

Significantly, 343 new football banning orders were issued, an increase of 230%.

“Soccer disorder unfortunately has not gone away,” said police chief Mark Roberts.

The report, covering all matches from the Premier League to the National League as well as European and international matches played in England and Wales, also showed there were 29 incidents of alleged crimes online hate, a 53% increase from the previous season.

"Although the total number of reported incidents is down, it is still the second highest number we have seen, and it is particularly concerning to see an increase in pyrotechnics, missiles, drug use and attacks on stadium staff," Roberts said. .

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