The number of arrests at English soccer grounds dropped last season, according to Home Office figures released on Tuesday. In the 2008-09 season police made 3,752 arrests in or around stadiums, equivalent to one arrest per game, which was a two percent reduction. The total of 354 fans arrested for violent incidents was a five percent decrease from the previous season.
"Hooligans once blighted our national game, but we now set an example for the rest of the world in how we police football matches," Policing Minister David Hanson said in a statement. Figures also suggested English fans travelling overseas to watch European matches were better behaved. Out of the 105,000 fans who travelled to 49 games in European club competitions, only 30 were arrested.