The FA's Head of Stadia, Safety and Security Chris Whalley said: "We are encouraged by today's figures which show that the tougher policy towards violent and anti-social behaviour at football matches is working.

"We also have to see these figures in their proper context. Football is still far and away the most popular sport in the country, with 33 million people attending matches last season, and arrests constitute only 0.01% of that total number.

"Nevertheless The FA is fully committed to tackling this problem and we have been working with the police, government and other football authorities to introduce stricter legislation. We are particularly encouraged by the increase in banning orders, which prevent trouble-makers from attending matches both domestically and abroad, including Euro 2004 in Portugal."

Today's figures showed that the total number of arrests rose by 19% from 4035 in 2001/2 to 4793 in 2002/3 in domestic games in England and Wales, European cup competitions and international matches. The number of banning orders imposed for football-related offences increased by more than 50% from 1149 in 2001/2 to 1794 last year.