FOI 91/26 Arrests at Football Matches

Date: 16/02/26

Enquiry Reference:  FOI 91-26                                                         

I write in connection with regards to your Freedom of Information request. Below is your request and our response.

I am looking into the prevalence of violence at semi professional and amateur football matches. This would cover matches from step 6 (Conference South/North) down to regional divisions, and amateur leagues. 

I would like to request data relating to recorded incidents at football matches hosted within your force area, for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. 

I would be grateful if you could provide:

The number of recorded incidents at football grounds/parks/pitches on match days classified as:

Assault (including common assault and ABH/GBH)

Public order offences

Violent disorder

Any other violence-related offences

I'd also like to please be provided with:

The number of arrests made in connection with semi-pro/amateur football matches in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 (with the figures provided separately for each year)

Where possible, a breakdown of:

How many of the incidents involved players (rather than spectators, for example), and how many involved match officials.

Where the incidents took place and any details of exactly what happened (but only if this is possible) 

Having made enquiries within the Force our answer on this occasion is no information held, we do not Police teams in regards to your request.

Please note that all statistical data supplied in relation to Freedom of Information requests is a snapshot of data held at the time the request was received by the Freedom of Information office and is subject to constant change/updates.

If you are not satisfied with this response or any actions taken in dealing with your request, you have the right to request an independent internal review of your case under our review procedure. The Freedom of Information Code of Practice (see below link) states that a request for internal review should be made within 20 working days of the date on this response or 40 working days if extenuating circumstances to account for the delay can be evidenced. Public authorities are not obliged to accept internal reviews after this date.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/freedom-of-information-code-of-practice

Yours sincerely

Information Rights Decision Maker