EIGHT Bradford City fans were arrested last season for offences including criminal damage, class A drugs, and possession of pyrotechnics, new figures have shown.

A policing council and a supporters’ association have both warned those causing trouble make up a very small minority of football fans.

Home Office figures show eight City fans were arrested for football-related disorder in 2023-24 - down from 22 the season before.

These included: two arrests for public disorder, an arrest for alcohol offences, an arrest for the breach of a banning order, an arrest for criminal damage, an arrest for entering a stadium in possession of class A drugs, an arrest for the possession of pyrotechnics, and arrest for violent disorder.

In total, there were 2,584 arrests made in connection with domestic football in England and Wales and games involving the national teams abroad, representing a 14 per cent increase.

The figures also show 15 Bradford City supporters were subject to banning orders as of the end of the season, prohibiting them from attending football matches for a set period of time.

Last season three new banning orders were handed out to fans of the club, with 17 over the past five years.

Nationally the number of football banning orders in force went up 34 per cent, to 2,172 at the end of the season.

A statement from the Football Supporters Association said less attention should be given to this minority of trouble-makers, adding: "The problem with this hyper-focus on arrest tables is it makes football seem like a dangerous place, which kids and families should steer clear of, and that’s just not true."

The body would like to see fewer arrests, but admitted "at almost any sports event, street carnival or music festival there are going to be incidents".

Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson said: "Our football clubs are at the heart of our communities, which is why it is vital that fans are able to attend games safely.

"I am pleased to see the police’s proactive action has been effective in reducing reported incidents, but it is troubling that there are still individuals choosing to engage in criminal behaviour.

"This Government has already shown it will never tolerate mindless violence and disorder and has sent a clear message. If you take part in criminality, you will be caught and you will be punished," she added.

Bradford City were approached for a comment but did not wish to provide one at this time.