England supporters displayed exemplary behavior during the World Cup in the United States, as confirmed by police authorities. However, back in the UK, there was a surge in football-related arrests, marking the highest number since Euro 2020. Incidents of domestic violence, disorder, and online abuse escalated during the World Cup.
Mark Roberts, the head of UK Football Policing, attributed the rise in violence to factors such as alcohol consumption and the sudden relaxation of licensing laws in England with minimal notice. He emphasized the need to move away from outdated perceptions of fans based on historical behavior.
Roberts commended the fans’ conduct during the World Cup, highlighting their positive impact on the economies of the host nations. Despite alcohol playing a significant role, arrests remained at a notably low level during the overseas games. However, domestically, the tournament witnessed a concerning increase in reported incidents, including domestic abuse and spiking in licensed establishments.
With a total of 2,322 reported incidents and 391 arrests, the tournament saw a rise in incidents at pubs and bars as it progressed. Comparing with previous tournaments, the number of incidents during the England World Cup abroad was relatively low, but the domestic scenario was alarmingly different.
Mr. Roberts expressed worries about the negative consequences of relaxing licensing laws without considering the aftermath. The incidents of stabbings, attacks on police stations, domestic violence, and clashes between fans illustrated the darker side of the tournament in the UK.
In contrast, England fans contributed to creating memorable experiences in the US, enhancing the atmosphere in host cities. The collaboration between the FA and the Football Supporters Association played a crucial role in keeping fans informed during their travels abroad.
Around 10,000 to 13,000 fans from the UK traveled to support the team in the US, with a significant number also present at the Azteca stadium in Mexico. The Argentina game attracted approximately 2,500 official fan club members, with additional support from expats and local fans donning team colors.
