THE number of fans arrested at Barrow AFC matches dropped dramatically last season despite an increase across the football league.

Home Office figures show three Barrow fans were arrested for football-related disorder in the 2023-24 season - down from 25 the season before.

Two arrests were made for throwing missiles and one for a public order offence.

Two football banning orders were made against fans of the club.

A number of arrests have spiralled out of fractious Cumbria derbies between Barrow and Carlisle in League Two in previous years.

But Carlisle were absent from the league last season having been promoted.

This year six people were arrested in Barrow's opening game of the season after police imposed a dispersal order with fears of wider unrest in the town.

The figures also show nine Barrow 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.

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.

Despite the rise in arrests, National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead for football policing Chief Constable Mark Roberts said the number of matches where football-related incidents were reported has fallen by 12 per cent.

"That correlates with the proactive approach we have seen from police forces across the country," he added.

Mr Roberts cautioned it was important to put these figures into context.

"Last season around 47 million people attended men’s domestic and international matches, the highest number we have on record, and the vast majority of football fans are law-abiding citizens who want to support their team," he said.

"However, there are a small number of fans who commit offences, and we will continue to work closely with the CPS and our other partners to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."

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."