Yesterday’s release of figures by the Home Office in respect of football related arrests and Banning Orders led to the creation of a plethora of league tables and diagrams indicating which clubs had the most arrests. What the data does show is that over the past five seasons there has been a significant reduction in numbers of football related arrests. Whilst this decline is very much to be welcomed it is also the case that there are indications that last seasons figures do show some increases.
Football Related Offence Arrests
Since the 2011/2012 season there has been a 20% decline in people being arrested for football related offences. There was a nominal increase of 22 arrests last season over the season before and that equated to a 1% increase. The highest number of arrests were made at Championship games. Last season a third of the arrests were for Public Order Act offences whilst alcohol related offences made up the 20% of arrests. 49 people were arrested for pyrotechnic offences relating to fireworks and similar articles, this again represented an increase on the previous seasons totals.
Football Banning Orders
The figures do also show the decline in the total number of Football Banning Orders over the past four seasons. Since a high point in November 2012 such orders have fallen by nearly a quarter. Once more there was an increase in the number of Football Banning Orders issued last season.
At Olliers we are very well aware that notwithstanding these trends people do find themselves in difficulties at football matches. Stewarding, safe standing and the issue of alcohol at football matches are all areas where there needs to be a dialogue between fans and the authorities. If you have been arrested in connection with a football related matter or are to appear in court, Olliers may very well be able to assist you.
Contact Specialist Football Offence Lawyers
Olliers Football is a dedicated team dealing with allegations arising out of incidents that are said to have taken place in connection with football matches. David Philpott and Laura Baumanis lead the team. You can contact David and Laura on 0161 834 1515 or alternatively at davidphilpott@olliers.com or laurabaumanis@olliers.com or click here to contact us.
