Football-related arrests have risen in the last four seasons according to new statistics released by the Home Office.

Government figures show that fewer Albion fans were arrested last season than the season before.

Last season there were 19 arrests, fewer than the 24 in the 2021/22 season, when numbers peaked.

In the 2019/20 season there had been 19 supporters apprehended. Statistics were not provided for the 2020/21 season.

Statistics also show that football-related arrests rose among Crawley Town fans as police forces look to tackle a rise in anti-social behaviour in matches across the country.

Figures available for the past four seasons show that 53 Albion fans were arrested at home and away matches from August 2019 to May 2023.However, figures also fell slightly in the most recent season where Albion achieved European football for the first time in the club’s history.

Most arrests related to public disorder while violent disorder, pitch incursion and possession of Class A drugs were also included in the figures.

The totals were:

  • Public disorder 28
  • Alcohol offences 1
  • Pitch incursion 6
  • Possession of Class A 4
  • Throwing missiles 3
  • Violent disorder 8
  • Possession of pyrotechnics 2
  • Offensive weapon 1

 

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At Crawley, 12 people were arrested over the four seasons on suspicion of offences including throwing missiles and possession of pyrotechnics.

An Albion spokesman said: “We take this opportunity to reinforce our long-standing message that we simply will not tolerate any form of anti-social, aggressive or abusive behaviour, towards players, staff, stewards, officials or other supporters, at any of our home and away matches, when travelling to matches, at club events or on social media.

“We will always take the strongest action against any anti-social behaviour; the potential consequences are police and court action and an indefinite ban from all home and away fixtures.”

Recent examples of arrests include a father and son who assaulted a man outside the Amex stadium and were given a five-year football banning order.

Albion also confirmed that the pair would be banned “indefinitely” from Albion matches.

Sussex Police are also seeking to identify a man following reports of an assault involving a supporter at Albion’s Europa League away day in Marseille.

Crawley recently faced crowd disruption after flares and missiles were thrown at the opposition team’s goalkeeper.

A young fan reportedly suffered an asthma attack due to smoke from pyrotechnics in the Broadfield South Stand.

Crawley were approached for comment.

PC Darren Balkham, Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer, said: “Sussex Police works alongside partner agencies including Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, Crawley Town FC, The Premier League, FA and Football League, and officers from forces across the country to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all fans attending football matches.”