Damage to property and drugs were among the reasons City fans were arrested last season

Eight Bradford City fans were arrested last season for offenses including criminal damage, Class A drugs and possession of pyrotechnics, new figures show.

A police council and a fans association have both warned that the troublemakers are only a very small minority of football fans.

Home Office figures show eight City fans were arrested for football-related disruption in the 2023/24 season – compared to 22 the season before.

These included: two arrests for disturbing public order, one arrest for alcohol-related offenses, one arrest for violating a prohibition order, one arrest for criminal damage, one arrest for entering a stadium in possession of class A drugs, one arrest for possession of drugs Class A pyrotechnics and arrest for violent disorder.

In total there were 2,584 arrests relating to domestic football in England and Wales and national team games abroad, an increase of 14 percent.

The figures also show that 15 Bradford City fans were given bans from the end of the season, banning them from attending football matches for a period of time.

Three new banning orders were issued to the club’s fans last season, including 17 in the last five years.

Nationwide, the number of football ban orders that came into effect rose by 34 percent to 2,172 at the end of the season.

A statement from the Football Supporters Association said less attention should be paid to this minority of troublemakers, adding: “The problem with this hyper-focus on arrest tables is that football appears as a dangerous place that children and families should control.” “It’s clear, and that’s just not true.”

The panel would like to see fewer arrests, but acknowledges that “incidents will occur at almost every sporting event, street carnival or music festival.”

Police Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “Our football clubs are at the heart of our communities, which is why it is important that fans can attend games safely.”

“I am pleased that the police’s proactive approach has been effective in reducing the number of incidents reported, but it is worrying that there are still individuals who choose to engage in criminal behavior.”

“This government has already demonstrated that it will never tolerate senseless violence and disorder and has sent a clear message. If you engage in crimes, you will be caught and punished,” she added.

Bradford City have been contacted for comment but declined to comment at this time.