Police and the Government are hailing their action to tackle football hooliganism.
New figures show a 10 per cent drop in arrests at football matches.
The statistics show that there were 3,982 arrests for football related disorder during the 2003/04 season compared to 4,413 in 2002/03.
More than 36 million supporters attended league, cup and international matches last season, the vast majority of which were trouble free. The statistics also show that 2,596 individuals – the highest number ever – are subject to banning orders and prevented from attending domestic and international football matches, compared to 1,794 in August 2003 – an increase of 45 per cent.
The number of arrests of England supporters fell from 261 to 70 during 2003/04. There were no arrests or any evidence of anyone subject to a banning order attempting to travel to matches overseas.
What they say
Home Office Minister Caroline Flint said: "These statistics paint a very encouraging picture – with a 10 per cent reduction in the number of arrests and an average of just 1.6 arrests per game. It is also pleasing to see a fall in the number of arrests at England internationals reflecting the exemplary behaviour of the vast majority of fans in the run up to and during Euro 2004. However, the statistics reflect a lingering, if small, domestic disorder problem and we are not complacent. We will continue to ensure maximum use of the banning order legislation by providing ring-fenced funding to the police to proactively target known hooligans and maintain close international co-operation when England play away. Football related disorder has not gone away, but our tough banning order legislation and targeted policing operations have had a significant impact in disrupting the activities of organised hooligan groups. By continuing to work closely with fans groups’, the Football Association, police and our international partners, we can ensure that English football is associated with what happens on the pitch and not off it."
David Swift, Deputy Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police and Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman on footballing issues, said: "Whilst I am pleased with the statistics released today we should not assume violence and disorder has gone away. There has not been a massive reformation of trouble makers, rather rigorous controls and investigations by the police are having a positive effect. The last 12 months has seen a concerted effort by the police service to control behaviour at and around football games and to ban the maximum number of hooligans from attending future events. More than 1,200 new bans with most matches now trouble free, shows the tactics are working and they will be continued throughout this season and beyond."
