The number of football matches in England and Wales featuring incidents reported to police reached record levels last season, prompting calls for clubs to ease the security burden on taxpayers. According to an annual Home Office report, there was a 4% increase in matches with reports of football-related anti-social behaviour, violence, and disorder during the 2025-26 season.
Rising Incidents and Arrest Trends
Reports were made at 1,644 games, up from 1,580 the previous campaign. Meanwhile, arrests fell slightly to 1,695, down from 1,744 in 2024-25. The Home Office calculated four arrests per 100,000 attendees in men's football, while women's matches saw only four arrests in total. The FA Cup remained the competition most likely to see arrests.
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New Offences Driving the Increase
The overall increase in reported incidents was largely driven by new categories added to the Football Spectators Act 1989. Unauthorised entry led to 45 arrests. Additionally, new reporting categories for sexism, misogyny, and violence against women and girls contributed to 22 and 37 matches reported respectively. Hate crime remained the most common type of incident, reported at 491 matches.
| Metric | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches with incidents | 1,580 | 1,644 | +4% |
| Total arrests | 1,744 | 1,695 | -2.8% |
| Public disorder arrests | N/A | Increased | + |
| Unauthorised entry arrests | 0 | 45 | New |
Key Takeaways for Clubs and Fans
- Record number of matches with police reports requires urgent action from football clubs.
- Arrests are declining overall, but new offences are inflating incident numbers.
- Sexist and misogynistic behaviour is now explicitly tracked and reported.
- Clubs should invest in private security to reduce the taxpayer burden.
- Hate crime remains the top concern, reported at nearly 500 matches.
FAQ
Why are police calling on football clubs to ease the security burden?
The rising number of incidents at matches increases police costs, which are currently borne by taxpayers. Clubs benefiting from high revenues are urged to contribute more to security.
What new offences were added in the latest season?
Unauthorised entry, sexism, misogyny, and violence against women and girls were added to the reporting categories, contributing to the increase in match incidents.
How many arrests were made last season?
There were 1,695 arrests in total, down from 1,744 the previous season, though public disorder arrests increased.
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