ARRESTS AT EIGHT-YEAR HIGH

ARRESTS and reported incidents of disorder at football matches in England and Wales last season were at their highest level for eight years. There were 2,198 football-related arrests, the highest number since the 2013-14 season, according to Home Office figures.

The 2021-22 campaign saw the return of capacity crowds after a year of Covid-19 restrictions. Last season’s disorder included players being approached after pitch invasions. A fan was jailed after running on to the pitch and headbutting Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp at the end of Nottingham Forest’s play-off match against the Blades. A Manchester City fan who taunted Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen on the pitch on the final day of the season received a four-year football banning order.