Statistics released by the Home Office reveal that a total of 1,638 football-related arrests were made during the 2016/17 campaign, a stat which represents a 14% drop from the previous campaign, when a total of 1,895 arrests were made.
Of the arrests, the three most common offence types were public disorder (31%), violent disorder (21%) and alcohol offences (16%).
The Championship contributed most to the arrest total with 28% supporting clubs from the second tier of English football. Near neighbours Birmingham City recording the most arrests for any individual club with seventy-two supporters having their collars felt during the 2016/17 campaign.
A total of nine Walsall supporters were arrested during last season. Compared with forty-three Wolves fans, seventeen Albion fans, and fifty-two Villa supporters.
The Championship contributed most to the arrest total with 28% supporting clubs from the second tier of English football. Near neighbours Birmingham City recording the most arrests for any individual club with seventy-two supporters having their collars felt during the 2016/17 campaign.
A total of nine Walsall supporters were arrested during last season. Compared with forty-three Wolves fans, seventeen Albion fans, and fifty-two Villa supporters.
The Home Office figures are the latest to show a long term drop in the number of football-related arrests. Almost halving over the last seven seasons: from 3,089 to 1,638 (a 47% drop).
As well as arrests declining, the number of active banning orders in 2016/17 also fell by 7% while the number of new banning orders issued fell by 5% compared to the previous season.
As of 7th August 2017 there was a total of 391 banning orders were in force for supporters of clubs playing in Sky Bet League One, with the Saddlers having thirty fans currently banned from attending games.
Taking a look at our local rivals, in terms of new orders made in the last year, 18 were issued against Birmingham City fans, up from 13 the year before; 11 against Aston Villa fans, up from six; three for Walsall fans, compared to four a year earlier. There were no new orders issues against West Bromwich Albion supporters last season, down from seven during the previous campaign.
10 clubs in England & Wales with the highest number of active banning orders
1. Newcastle United - 111
2. Wolverhampton Wanderers - 75
3. West Ham United - 57
4. Millwall - 55
5. Manchester United - 49
6. Liverpool - 44
7. Barnsley - 43
8. Chelsea - 42
9. Birmingham City - 41
10. Burnley - 39
2. Wolverhampton Wanderers - 75
3. West Ham United - 57
4. Millwall - 55
5. Manchester United - 49
6. Liverpool - 44
7. Barnsley - 43
8. Chelsea - 42
9. Birmingham City - 41
10. Burnley - 39