Football disorder, or hooliganism, is less common today than it once was, but
when it does happen it’s a serious threat to the safety of other fans and the
general public.
Football hooliganism is a crime. It may be less common
than it once was, but it remains a serious menace.
Football disorder has unfortunately been associated with
English football for over 100 years. But its severity and character is always
evolving. Today, there is little trouble in football grounds themselves and fans
can attend matches in a safe environment.
But the gangs who associate themselves with clubs do
still pose a threat, usually in the form of pre-arranged violence.
We have a comprehensive strategy for tackling football
disorder. Its main features are:
- extensive use of the tough football banning order
legislation introduced after Euro 2000
- close and effective relations with partner agencies,
including the police, football authorities and supporter groups
- maximum cooperation with overseas police and civil
authorities
- close contact with fan groups, support for fan-led
initiatives like the fans embassies and working to encourage fans to take
responsibility for their behaviour and reputation
We have put in place very tough but fair laws that we
expect the police and courts to use and are funding targeted police operations
aimed at banning known hooligans.
Banning orders and arrests
The purpose of football banning orders is to prevent
known football hooligans from causing further trouble at home and abroad. Bans
last between 2 and 10 years, and the precise conditions can be tailored on a
case-by-case basis.
If necessary, the courts can ban recipients from using
public transport on match days, and from visiting other potential ‘hotspots’,
such as town centres, pubs and bars during risk periods.
Statistics on arrests and banning orders
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