The number of arrests among Norwich City fans during the 2022-2023 season decreased to nine, down from 17 the previous season, according to Home Office statistics. This decrease in arrests shows improved behavior among Canaries fans, with only Rotherham and Wigan reporting fewer arrests in the league with four and eight respectively. The statistics also revealed that table-topping promoted side Burnley had the highest number of arrests with 50, followed by Birmingham and Millwall with 47 each. Norwich City’s arrests included offenses such as violent disorder, public order offenses, and throwing missiles, including a fan who threw a flare onto the pitch at Millwall.
The increased number of arrests across the top five divisions of English football, totaling 2,264 during the 2022-2023 season, can be partially attributed to the addition of drug possession as an offense under the Football Spectators Act. This figure was an increase from the previous season’s eight-year high of 2,198 arrests. However, it is important to note that these statistics also include 200 arrests for the possession of class A drugs and 101 arrests related to the World Cup in Qatar. West Ham topped the table for the number of arrests by club with 89, followed by Manchester United with 83 and Leeds with 69.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, highlighted the slight reduction in reported incidents as encouraging. However, he noted that the level of disorder in football is still higher than before the pandemic and emphasized the importance of continued police action and arrests to address this trend.
In the Championship last season, Norwich City recorded nine arrests, indicating improved behavior among fans compared to previous seasons. However, Burnley had the highest number of arrests with 50, followed closely by Birmingham and Millwall with 47 each. The statistics show that football-related arrests across the top five divisions increased to 2,264, attributed in part to drug possession offenses and arrests related to the World Cup in Qatar. West Ham had the highest number of arrests among clubs, further emphasizing the ongoing need for police action. Chief Constable Mark Roberts acknowledged the decrease in reported incidents but stressed the importance of continued efforts to address disorder in football.
