Association of Chief Police Officers lead on football policing Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt said:

"The reduction in arrests for violent incidents allows the police service the opportunity to concentrate resources on the minority of individuals who still seek to engage in disorder at football matches.

"This decrease in the number of football related arrests and banning orders is encouraging and shows the police service has worked hard with football clubs and supporter's associations to ensure genuine fans can attend games without incident.

"Compared with the 2010 / 2011 season there has also been a marked decrease in the number of public disorder incidents, alcohol offences and racist or indecent chanting at games.

"The police have been clear that where people are found to be directly or indirectly involved in football-related violence, disorder or anti-social behaviour, the service will deal robustly with those who seek to bring the game into disrepute.

"It is also encouraging to see the number of arrests is also down compared to the previous season across nine of the 12 competition leagues and police will continue to lead the way in reducing disorder at football matches."