Football is more than just a sport, it’s a shared passion that brings people together, from Sunday league games to thrilling top-tier matches. While the excitement of the game creates unforgettable moments, it can also bring out the worst in a small minority of fans.
Issues like drug use, violence, and illegal pyrotechnics often disrupt what should be an enjoyable experience for supporters. Even with improved policing and enhanced security service in football stadiums, these incidents can turn what should be a safe environment into a risky one.
It’s worth noting that different football stadiums across the leagues face varying challenges. At Guard Mark Security, we’ve looked into some of England’s and Yorkshire football stadiums to explore the arrest rates and banning orders that highlight where the issues are most common and where fans enjoy a safer matchday experience.
The Most Dangerous Football Stadiums in England Based on Arrests
Recent data from the 2023/24 football season across England and Wales’ top four leagues has revealed some surprising findings about the country’s most problematic stadiums. Below, we’ll highlight the top three most dangerous stadiums, based on arrest rates, and explore why they’ve earned a spot on this list.
1- The Madejski Stadium
Reading Football Club – 1.75 Arrests Per 10,000 Supporters (23/24)
Reading Football Club’s season was clouded by off-field financial issues, including a six-point deduction, which led to growing frustrations among fans. These tensions boiled over in January during a match against Port Vale when fans disrupted the game by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch and invading the field, forcing an early end to the match.
With ongoing financial problems, management uncertainties, and disappointing performances, the arrest rate at the Madejski Stadium reached 1.75 per 10,000 fans. Of the 53 arrests recorded during the season, 39 were due to violent misconduct, with 32 of those occurring during December’s heated game against Oxford United.
2- Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Football Club – 1.72 Arrests Per 10,000 Supporters (23/24)
Chelsea’s 2023/24 season was far from their best, despite significant transfers. The team’s struggles on the pitch, including a crushing 5-0 defeat to rivals Arsenal, led to fan frustrations spilling over into disorder.
Stamford Bridge saw 1.72 arrests per 10,000 fans, amounting to 129 arrests throughout the season, around 7 arrests for every home game. This highlights the challenges of managing security in a major city like London, where broader criminal issues can also play a role.
3- Adams Park
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club – 1.48 Arrests Per 10,000 Supporters (23/24)
Adams Park might be an unexpected name on this list, but Wycombe Wanderers faced challenges beyond the pitch. While their mid-table finish in the league and a loss in the EFL Trophy final didn’t grab headlines, concerns off the field painted a different picture.
The stadium recorded 1.48 arrests per 10,000 fans, with a total of 17 arrests during the season. These included incidents involving illegal pyrotechnics and Class A drugs, with several fans being detained for related offences.
While these top three stadiums are alarming, the list of the ten most dangerous stadiums includes clubs across both large cities and smaller towns. Premier League giants like Chelsea, Brentford, and Manchester City made the list, underscoring that even clubs with significant resources are not immune to fan-related issues.
Smaller towns like Walsall and Mansfield have also shown a steady rise in incidents, proving that security challenges aren’t limited to urban areas. Despite increased efforts to improve security, these findings highlight the ongoing need for better security solutions to ensure football remains safe and enjoyable for all fans.
The UK’s Worst Football Stadiums for Banning Orders
Arrest rates are just one way to measure safety at football stadiums, but banning orders also give us an idea of where fan behaviour has been a problem. These orders are issued to individuals who repeatedly cause trouble, helping to make matches safer for everyone.
Some clubs have faced more challenges than others when it comes to banning orders. Let’s take a look at the top three stadiums with the highest rates of these incidents.
1- The Den
Millwall Football Club – 2.16 Banning Orders Per 10,000 Supporters (23/24)
Millwall’s fanbase has long carried a reputation for being rowdy, and while the club has worked to improve its image, problems persist. The 2023/24 season saw Millwall dealing with a chaotic time on the pitch, with four different managers in just five months. This turmoil seemed to spill over into the stands.
Millwall had the highest number of banning orders in the Championship, with 82 issued over the season. That’s roughly three banning orders for every home game and the overall banning rate was 2.16 Banning Orders Per 10,000 Fans.
2- Blundell Park
Grimsby Town City Football Club – 1.44 Banning Orders Per 10,000 Supporters (23/24)
Grimsby Town’s 2023/24 season was a tough one for fans. The team struggled to perform, finishing near the bottom of the table, and a managerial change mid-season added to the disappointment.
Fan behaviour became a concern, with 21 banning orders issued during the season. This equals 1.44 banning orders for every 10,000 fans, which is especially worrying considering the club’s average attendance of just over 6,000.
3- St. Andrew’s Stadium
Birmingham City Football Club – 1.27 Banning Orders Per 10,000 Supporters (23/24)
Birmingham City faced a difficult year both on and off the field. The team’s relegation to League 1 and other setbacks, like losing their manager due to health problems, made it a challenging season for everyone involved.
This frustration seemed to reflect in the crowd, with 1.27 banning orders per 10,000 fans issued. These incidents highlight the need for better management of fan behaviour at St. Andrew’s Stadium.
The problems at these stadiums are not isolated. Across the leagues, both the Championship and League 2 had several clubs with high numbers of banning orders.
Interestingly, no Premier League club made it into the top 10 for banning orders. The closest was Everton, with 72 bans, equal to a rate of 0.97 per 10,000 fans.
The UK’s Most Dangerous Football Stadiums By League – Combined Arrests & Banning Orders
When it comes to safety, not every football league faces the same challenges. Some clubs consistently bring trouble to their respective leagues, casting a shadow over their fanbase and the game itself.
Here’s a closer look at the top four leagues in England and the clubs that stand out for all the wrong reasons:
1- Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Football Club – 2.43 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Chelsea’s 2023/24 season was a mixed bag. Despite big-name signings like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández bringing energy to the squad, an 8th-place finish left fans disappointed.
This frustration reflected off the pitch as Stamford Bridge recorded 2.43 incidents per 10,000 fans, making it the most dangerous football ground in the UK. Chelsea had 129 arrests and 54 banning orders, even with an average attendance below 40,000.
2- Etihad Stadium
Manchester City Football Club – 1.94 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Manchester City’s 2023/24 season brought plenty of glory on the pitch, with a fourth consecutive Premier League title and standout performances from Erling Haaland. However, not all was smooth sailing.
The club saw the highest number of arrests in the Premier League, with 133 incidents reported. In addition, 63 banning orders were issued, landing the Etihad in second place for the league’s most dangerous stadiums.
3- London Stadium
West Ham United Football Club – 1.64 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
West Ham United experienced a rollercoaster season, highlighted by their first Europa League campaign as champions of the Conference League. However, they narrowly missed out on European spots for the next season.
Fan behaviour was a significant concern, with the club seeing 102 arrests, the third-highest in the league. West Ham also led the league with 93 banning orders, showcasing the need for stronger crowd control measures.
4- G-Tech Community Stadium
Brentford Football Club – 1.6 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Brentford’s rise in English football has been an inspiring story, but their growing fanbase has brought challenges too. With an average attendance climbing steadily, the Gtech Community Stadium saw an incident rate of 1.6 per 10,000 fans during the 2023/24 season.
5- Turf Moor
Burnley Football Club – 1.52 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Turf Moor recorded an incident rate of 1.52 per 10,000 fans during the 2023/24 season. The club dealt with a range of issues, including fan altercations and instances of illegal pyrotechnics. While Burnley continues to grow as a footballing powerhouse, these challenges highlight the importance of balancing enthusiasm with responsible fan behaviour.
The Most Dangerous Championship Football Stadiums
Some of the Championship’s most iconic grounds have unfortunately gained attention for reasons beyond football. Let’s take a closer look at the most challenging stadiums in the league based on incidents, arrests, and banning orders.
1- The Den
Millwall Football Club – 3.26 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Millwall has long been associated with a reputation for passionate but often unruly fan behaviour, and the 2023/24 season was no exception. With a turbulent start to the season and a mid-table finish, emotions both on and off the pitch ran high.
The Den recorded 42 arrests and an alarming 82 banning orders over the season, far surpassing league averages and the overall incident rate was 3.26 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans. This continued pattern of issues highlights the club’s need to address its longstanding crowd management challenges.
2- King Power Stadium
Leicester City Football Club – 1.95 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Leicester City celebrated a triumphant return to the Premier League, securing the Championship title in style. But while things were smooth on the field, the situation outside was less ideal, and the overall incident rate was 1.95 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans.
With 68 arrests – the highest in the Championship – and 72 banning orders, the King Power Stadium earned its place among the league’s most problematic venues. Despite the success of new signings and a supportive fan base, these numbers suggest work still needs to be done to improve matchday safety.
3- St. Andrew’s
Birmingham City Football Club – 1.83 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
It was a season of ups and downs for Birmingham City and the fans were really disappointed. While many expressed their disappointment online, others chose more disruptive methods, contributing to a rise in incidents at St. Andrew’s.
With 27 arrests and 62 banning orders making 1.83 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans, the club experienced one of its most challenging campaigns in recent years. The season served as a reminder of how on-pitch performance often mirrors behaviour in the stands.
4- Ewood Park
Blackburn Rovers Football Club – 1.53 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Ewood Park recorded a total of 24 arrests and 48 banning orders, reflecting rising concerns about safety during matches. Moreover, the overall incident rate in the stadium was 1.53 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans. The club is now working towards improving fan behaviour while maintaining the passionate atmosphere that defines their home games.
5- Riverside Stadium
Blackburn Rovers Football Club – 1.34 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Riverside Stadium saw 18 arrests and 40 banning orders during the campaign. The overall incident rate in the stadium was 1.34 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans. While these figures are lower than others in the Championship, they still highlight the need for consistent efforts to ensure the stadium remains a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
The Most Dangerous League 1 Stadiums
League One isn’t without its share of challenging grounds when it comes to fan behaviour. Let’s take a closer look at the top five stadiums where incidents, arrests, and banning orders have raised concerns.
1- The Madejski Stadium
Reading Football Club – 2.02 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Reading’s 2023/24 season was one to forget, marred by off-pitch troubles and a six-point deduction that crushed their promotion hopes. The Madejski Stadium had 2.02 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans, making it the most dangerous ground in League One. With 53 arrests and 8 banning orders, it’s clear that frustrations ran high during a disappointing campaign for the Royals.
2- Adams Park
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club – 1.75 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Wycombe’s season had its highs and lows, finishing mid-table and narrowly missing out on cup glory after a heartbreaking EFL Cup Final loss. At Adams Park, the incident rate reached 1.75 per 10,000 matchday fans, with 17 arrests and 3 banning orders recorded. These numbers stand out considering the stadium’s smaller average attendance of just under 5,000 fans.
3- Brunton Park
Carlisle United Football Club – 1.68 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Carlisle United’s tough season ended in relegation after a last-place finish in League One. The frustrations were evident at Brunton Park, which recorded 1.68 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans. Along with 16 arrests and 15 banning orders, the struggling team saw declining attendance, reflecting growing discontent among supporters.
4- Memorial Stadium
Bristol Rovers Football Club – 1.59 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium reported 1.59 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans during the season. While the numbers of arrests and banning orders were lower than at some other grounds, it remains an area of concern for fan behaviour in League One.
5- St. James Park
Exeter City Football Club – 1.53 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Fans
Exeter City’s St. James Park had 1.53 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans. While the club maintains a dedicated fan base, the numbers serve as a reminder of the need for consistent efforts in promoting safety and sportsmanship.
The Most Dangerous League 2 Stadiums
League 2 also has its share of challenging environments for matchday fans. Below are the top five stadiums where incidents, arrests, and banning orders highlight concerns.
1- Priestfield Stadium
Gillingham Football Club – 2.09 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Supporters
Gillingham’s 2023/24 season saw its fair share of ups and downs, including the sacking of Neil Harris just two months in. While the managerial change helped secure a mid-table finish, unrest in the stands and around the stadium left its mark. Priestfield Stadium had 2.09 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans, with 13 arrests and 18 banning orders during the season.
2- Bescot Stadium
Walsall Football Club – 1.93 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Supporters
Walsall’s season was relatively stable on the pitch, with an 11th-place finish that fans had hoped would be better. However, that stability didn’t extend to the stands. The Bescot Stadium recorded 1.93 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans, along with 18 arrests (the joint-highest in League 2) and 7 banning orders.
3- Blundell Park
Grimsby Town Football Club – 1.92 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Supporters
Grimsby Town’s struggles in 2023/24 were clear, with a 21st-place finish narrowly avoiding relegation. The season also saw major changes in the squad and coaching staff, frustrating fans further. Blundell Park reported 1.92 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans, with 7 arrests and 21 banning orders reflecting the tension.
4- Eco-Power Stadium
Doncaster Rovers Football Club – 1.72 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Supporters
Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium recorded 1.72 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans. While arrests and banning orders were relatively low compared to other clubs, these figures indicate room for improvement in crowd management.
5- Field Mill
Mansfield Town Football Club – 1.7 Incidents Per 10,000 Matchday Supporters
Mansfield Town’s Field Mill saw 1.7 incidents per 10,000 matchday fans. The club also recorded 18 arrests (tied for the highest in the league) and remains a focus for improving fan behaviour.
Most Dangerous and Low-Rated Stadiums in Yorkshire
While some stadiums are known for high crime rates and low fan behaviour, others are ranked lower based on visitor reviews. Here are three of the lowest-rated stadiums, according to Google Business Profile ratings, in the region. These ratings, combined with the feedback from fans, offer a perspective on the areas where fan experience may need improvement.
1- MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium
Shepherd’s Bush Football Club – 4.1 GMB Rating Based on 3,165 Reviews
Shepherd’s Bush MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium has earned a Google Business Profile rating of 4.1 out of 5, based on 3,165 reviews. While it remains a well-known location, some fans have noted areas for improvement in facilities and matchday experience, contributing to its slightly lower rating.
2- Blackburn Rovers Football Club
Blackburn Football Club – 4.2 GMB Rating Based on 3,111 Reviews
Blackburn Rovers Football Club holds a rating of 4.2 from 3,111 reviews. Despite being a historic football club, some fans have expressed concerns regarding the venue’s amenities and atmosphere, which may not always meet expectations for the matchday experience.
3- bet365 Stadium
Staffordshire Football Club – 4.3 GMB Rating Based on 2,913 Reviews
Staffordshire’s bet365 Stadium has a slightly higher rating of 4.3, with 2,913 reviews. Although this is still a respectable score, the stadium has faced some negative feedback regarding its facilities and the overall fan experience during matchday.
Most Dangerous Stadiums in Yorkshire for Arrest and Banning Orders
1- Riverside Stadium
Middlesbrough Football Club – 49 Banning Orders Across 34,742 Supporters
Middlesbrough is another prominent Championship club in North Yorkshire, known for its dedicated supporters. In the 2024 season, the club recorded 41 arrests, including 10 for violent disorder, 18 for public disorder, 3 for pitch invasion, 7 for alcohol offences, and 3 for other offences. The club also topped the chart for banning orders, with a total of 49. Moreover, the total number of attendees according to the 2024 government’s data set was 34,742. These figures indicate that Middlesbrough faces considerable security challenges during matches.
2- Leeds United
Leeds Football Club – 41 Banning Orders Across 694,754 Supporters
Leeds United is one of the key football clubs in Leeds, West Yorkshire, known for its large fan base. According to Government Dataset for the 2024 season, the club recorded an average attendance of 36,566, with a total season attendance of 694,754.
Leeds United also had 49 arrests in 2024, including 12 for violent disorder, 20 for public disorder, 4 for pitch invasion, 8 for alcohol offences, and 5 for other offences. Moreover, Leeds United had 41 total banning orders, making it one of the top clubs in West Yorkshire with the highest number of banning orders.
3- Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Football Club – 29 Banning Orders Across 39,732 Supporters
Sheffield Wednesday, competing in the Championship, recorded significant figures for arrests and banning orders during the 2024 season. The club’s total number of attendees according to the 2024 government’s data set was 39,732. The club reported 33 arrests, including 8 for violent disorder, 15 for public disorder, 3 for pitch invasion, 5 for alcohol offences, and 2 for other offences. In addition, Sheffield Wednesday had 29 banning orders, placing it among the clubs with higher security concerns in Yorkshire.
4- Sheffield United
Sheffield Football Club – 27 Banning Orders Across 661,15 Supporters
Sheffield United competes in the Premier League and maintains a strong presence in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. During the 2024 season, the club recorded 36 arrests, including 9 for violent disorder, 16 for public disorder, 2 for pitch invasion, 6 for alcohol offences, and 3 for other offences. In terms of banning orders, Sheffield United had 27, placing it among the top clubs in Yorkshire with significant security concerns. The average attendance for the club was 28,746, with a total season attendance of 661,158, according to Government Dataset.
5- Rotherham United
Rotherham Football Club – 24 Banning Orders Across 12,000 Supporters
Rotherham United, a Championship club, had a total of 24 arrests in the 2024 season. These arrests included 6 for violent disorder, 10 for public disorder, 2 for pitch invasion, 4 for alcohol offences, and 2 for other offences. Moreover, the club recorded 24 banning orders, highlighting the importance of security measures during events. Additionally, the club’s total number of attendees according to the 2024 government’s data set was 12,000.
6- Barnsley FC
Barnsley Football Club – 22 Banning Orders Across 23,287 Supporters
Barnsley FC competes in League One and had 22 total arrests in the 2024 season. The arrests included 5 for violent disorder, 9 for public disorder, 2 for pitch invasion, 3 for alcohol offences, and 3 for other offences. The club also recorded 22 banning orders during the same period. Moreover, the club’s total number of attendees according to the 2024 government’s data set was 23,287. These numbers indicate that despite being in League One, security concerns remain significant in Yorkshire.
7- Bradford City
Bradford Football Club – 15 Banning Orders Across 25,136 Supporters
Bradford City, a League Two club, recorded 6 arrests during the 2024 season. These arrests included 1 for violent disorder, 3 for public disorder, and 1 each for alcohol offences and other offences. The club also had 15 banning orders, according to the Government Dataset. The club’s total number of attendees according to the 2024 government’s data set was 25,136. While the arrest numbers are low, the banning orders suggest a need for continued security oversight.
8- Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Football Club – 12 Banning Orders Across 15,231 Supporters
Doncaster Rovers competes in League Two and recorded 12 arrests in the 2024 season. These arrests included 3 for violent disorder, 5 for public disorder, 1 for pitch invasion, 2 for alcohol offences, and 1 for other offences. Additionally, Doncaster Rovers had 12 banning orders, reflecting moderate security issues that require attention during events. According to the 2024 government data set, the club’s total attendees were 15,231.
9- Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Football Club – 8 Banning Orders Across 24,121 Supporters
Huddersfield Town, a Championship club, had relatively low arrest figures during the 2024 season. The club recorded 8 total arrests, including 2 for violent disorder, 3 for public disorder, 1 for pitch invasion, 1 for alcohol offences, and 1 for other offences. In terms of banning orders, Huddersfield Town had 8 during the same season. The total number of attendees according to the 2024 government’s data set was 24,121. The data highlights that while the numbers are low, security management remains a key focus.
10- Harrogate Town
Harrogate Football Club – 2 Banning Orders
Harrogate Town, also competing in League Two, recorded the lowest banning orders among Yorkshire clubs, with only 2 in the 2024 season. Unlike other clubs in the league, no arrests were reported for Harrogate Town. This suggests that crowd control and overall security at Harrogate Town matches were well managed during the season.
11- York City
York Football Club – 0 Banning Orders Across 8,500 Supporters
York City, a League Two club, recorded 4 arrests during the 2024 season. The arrests included 1 for violent disorder, 2 for public disorder, and 1 for alcohol offences. Unlike other clubs, York City had no arrests for pitch invasion or other offences. The club also recorded no significant issues with banning orders. According to the 2024 government dataset, the club’s total attendees were 8,500.
How Was This Data Collected?
To provide an accurate view of crime rates across UK football stadiums, we used official data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which is released at the end of each season. This data includes reports on arrests and banning orders at matches, as well as average attendance figures gathered from various online sources and directly from football clubs. Moreover, for the last three stadiums of Yorkshire, we have collected the data from Google Business Profile.
To calculate the number of incidents per 10,000 fans, we multiplied the average attendance by the number of home games in a season, 19 in the Premier League and 23 for the other leagues. Then, we divided the total number of arrests and banning orders by the calculated attendance and adjusted it to show the incidents per 10,000 matchday fans.
This method helps to create a fair comparison, even for smaller clubs with fewer fans. For clubs that don’t reach 10,000 fans per game, we adjusted the ratio to show what it would look like if they did. This ensures a more balanced and accurate picture of the UK’s most dangerous football stadiums.
