Reports from England and Wales state that crime at football matches within the two countries skyrocketed. Disruptive incidents are up 60% compared to the last full season before the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, the figures during the pandemic did not figure in the statistics. Fans did not attend the matches. When they did, it was in considerably smaller quantities.
These disturbing events occurred in more than half of all matches in England and Wales in the 2021/22 campaign. This compares to the 2018/19 season when offenses were reported in 33% of all games in the same area.
Along with these incidents, the report also suggests that arrests are also up 59%. There were nearly 2,200 confirmed arrests last season, the most arrests during football matches since the 2013/14 season.
Perhaps even more staggering is the alarming rise in hate crimes. There were 384 reported cases of hate crimes last season. This is a 99% increase. Field invasions are also a problem. 441 total field invasions for the 2021/22 seasons was a 127% increase from the previous year.
England and Wales increase crime at football matches
“Clutter is a problem that has not gone away, and throughout last season we saw an increase in crime at football matches across the country, from the Premier League to the National League,” said Police Chief Mark Roberts. , the man in charge of surveillance related to football.
Fans who invade the pitch or set off pyrotechnics at Premier League games will face stadium bans of at least a year.
There was an increase in people running onto the field and setting off smoke bombs or flares last season.
Suspensions may also be released to parents and guardians. pic.twitter.com/ku5fka6Lcl
— Metro Radio News (@MetroRadioNews) September 21, 2022
“The statistics released today show a worrying increase in these crimes, which are extremely dangerous for players, staff and fans alike,” Roberts continued. “In addition to being banned, anyone who commits these crimes should also expect to be prosecuted by the police.”
different clubs
This report also broke down the statistics for each specific club. West Ham led all teams in the area with 95 total arrests. Manchester City (76), Manchester United (72), Leicester City (59) and Everton (58) completed the top five.
While more arrests were made at West Ham than any other ground, Millwall actually banned the most fans with 33. Leicester (28) and Everton (26) also made the top three in this category.
The Premier League announced on Wednesday that it will issue a one-year ban to anyone who enters the pitch or is found with pyrotechnics.
Home Secretary Jeremy Quin said the police are taking these actions very seriously. “The increase in soccer-related arrests shows that police are taking strong action to stop this disorder and preserve the enjoyment of the game for fans and families, something I wholeheartedly support,” Quin said.
