Raise a glass for England's fans in the US – they've been praised by UK authorities for their exemplary behaviour during the group stages of the World Cup. Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), has hailed both England and Scotland supporters as model citizens, with no reports of violence or disorder involving English fans abroad. The commendation aligns with pre-tournament briefings from UK police on British fans' good record at international competitions.
However, a stark contrast emerges when looking back home. Figures reveal a notable surge in football-related incidents in England and Wales during the same period – 463 recorded incidents, up from 304 during Euro 2024 and 291 in the 2022 World Cup. These incidents span various issues, including 162 occurring in licensed premises and 109 classified as domestic incidents involving family members over 16.
Correspondingly, arrests have increased – 88 individuals were taken into custody for football-related offences, surpassing the 66 arrests during Euro 2024 and 56 in the 2022 World Cup. Many of these arrests fall under the Public Order Act, covering swearing, shouting, intimidation, and violence.
The rise in incidents has led to a re-evaluation of measures taken to prevent potential issues. Ahead of the tournament, proactive steps were taken, with 1,958 football supporters subject to banning orders required to surrender their passports. This move aimed to deter individuals with a history of disorder from travelling and causing trouble abroad.