Football Violence Surges: Police Demand Clubs Share Security Costs
The latest annual report by the Home Office reveals alarming trends in football-related incidents across England and Wales. During the 2025-26 season, the number of matches reporting “football-related anti-social behaviour, violence and disorder” hit a record high, with a 4% increase from the previous season, totaling 1,644 matches. Arrests, while returning to pre-Covid levels, showed a concerning pattern: 1,695 total arrests last season, down from 1,744 in 2024-25. Four arrests occurred for every 100,000 attendees at men's matches, with the FA Cup being the most likely competition for such actions. In stark contrast, the women's game saw only four arrests in total. The report highlights a shift in data collection, introducing new categories under the Football Spectators Act 1989, including “unauthorised entry.” This addition resulted in 45 arrests, indicating that the overall arrest figures would have decreased by 4% otherwise. New reporting categories for “sexism and misogyny” and “violence against women and girls” emerged, with: 22 matches reporting sexist behaviour. 37 matches reporting violence against women. Hate crimes topped the list of reported incidents, occurring at 491 matches, followed by missile throwing at 359 games and pyrotechnics at 316 matches. Additionally, the number of football banning orders reached its highest level since 2012, with 2,460 FBOs currently active. Chief constable Mark Roberts emphasized the need for a reevaluation of football policing funding, noting that 46% of arrests occur outside stadiums. He criticized the current system where multibillion-pound football clubs contribute nothing towards policing costs, placing a £70 million burden on taxpayers, a situation he argues is unsustainable.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-07-23