Arrests at Glanford Park increase

Last updated : 18 August 2003 By Luke Thornhill
Last season 29 Scunthorpe United fans were arrested, 23 at Glanford Park and six at away games - up from just five the previous season.

22 of the arrests were for public order offences, two for running onto the pitch, one for an alchohol-related offence and one for violent disorder.

Lincoln City topped the Third Division arrest league with 52, knocking Carlisle United off the top of the list - the Cumbrians had 42 fans arrested last season.

However more than 90 per cent of Third Division games passed with one arrest or less, rating the basement division fans as the most law-abiding in the country -compared to 80 per cent of Second Division games, 71 per cent of First Division games and 37 per cent of First Division games.

The total number of arrests at matches in England and Wales rose from 4,035 to 4792 last year, an increase of 19 per cent.

Banning orders rose by more than 50 per cent, from 1,149 to 1,794.

267 people were arrested at international games, with 121 of them during the England v Turkey Euro Qualifier at Sunderland's Stadium of Light in June.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said: "Our tough football legislation is working - 1,794 fans are banned from attending matches and this number is set to rise significantly in the run up to Euro 2004.

"The increase in the number of football-related offences reflects a tough policing response to a lingering hooliganism problem. Football disorder has been significantly reduced in recent decades, but a minority of troublemakers continue to threaten our national game.

"We are determined to work with police, fans and football authorities to stamp out violence. The extra funding I am making available to forces will help them gather evidence and obtain banning orders against known and emerging troublemakers."

David Swift, Association of Police Officers spokesman, said: "Police and clubs, with the support of the Football Authorities and Government, are having an impact on football disorder and show our current strategies are working. Identifying the minority of troublemakers and controlling them remains a top police priority.

"In the coming season there will be more emphasis on dedicated intelligence operations and high levels of policing to bring those responsible for disorder to justice. We welcome additional Government funding to help identify those who misbehave and make sure they are subject to banning orders."

Despite the increase in arrests the vast number of matches remain trouble free, with an average of less than two arrests per game last season.