Football violence down

Football banning orders have been slapped on a record number of hooligans in the UK.

British Home Office figures showed there were 3,387 football hooligans subject to the orders, which prevent them attending domestic and international matches.

A total of 995 were imposed during the year, making a net total rise of 7% year-on-year after allowing for orders that have expired.

Meanwhile, arrests for football-related offences have dipped by 7% to 3,462 - the third consecutive season to see a fall.

Leeds gained the unenviable title of the club with the most banning orders.

An extra 20 orders imposed on its fans during the year brought its total to 115, following an even larger rise last year.

Portsmouth were second with 110, followed by Cardiff (last year's highest, falling from 152 orders to 109), Stoke (108) and Manchester United (106).

Stoke also gained the largest number of orders in the year - 58.

UK Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "I am very encouraged by the new figures.

"A 7% decrease in football-related arrests coupled with a 7% increase in football banning orders shows that tough legislation and targeted policing continues to be effective.

"However, we are not complacent. Football disorder remains a lingering menace, and will not be tolerated."