Football disorder in England and Wales reaches eight-year high

There were more arrests and reported incidents of disorder at football matches in England and Wales last season.

The Home Office said there were 2,198 football-related arrests.

Capacity crowds came back after a year of restrictions.

The disorder last season was caused by players being approached after pitches.

The fan who ran on to the pitch and headbutted Billy Sharp was sentenced to prison.

A four-year football banning order was given to the Manchester City fan who ran onto the pitch and yelled at the Villa keeper.

More reported incidents and more arrests - key stats

• Incidents were reported at more than half of all matches (53%) - 1,609 of the 3,019 matches played
• In 2018-19 - the last full season before Covid-19 restrictions - there were reported incidents at 1,007 matches, equivalent to one-third of the games played
• It means reported incidents were up by 60% last season compared with 2018-19
• There were 441 pitch invasions reported last season - up by 127% on 2018-19
• Football-related arrests were up 59% - the highest number of arrests since 2,273 were made in 2013-14
• 516 new banning orders were issued
• The most reported types of incidents were pyrotechnics (729 matches where incidents were reported), throwing missiles (561) and public order or anti-social behaviour incidents involving youth supporters (444).

Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier both said there was an issue with fan behavior.

Dier says he feels too uncomfortable for his family to attend away matches, while Henderson says his family's experiences could put them off going to future games

There's more to come.