More than 100 hate crimes recorded at London football grounds in the past year

By Joe Talora, Local Democracy Reporter

More than 100 hate crime offences have been recorded at London’s football stadiums in the past 12 months, new figures have revealed.

Between June 1, 2021 and May 31 this year, the Metropolitan Police dealt with 83 Public Order Offences, 60 of which were racially or religiously aggravated, as well as 18 incidents of violence which were flagged as hate crimes – including one where the victim was injured.

The figures were revealed this week by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, following a written question from Labour London Assembly Member Unmesh Desai.

Mr Desai, who is Labour’s London Assembly spokesman for policing and crime, said there have been some “encouraging steps” in reporting hate crimes at football grounds, but that there was still “a long way to go”.

He said: “We cannot let hate turn the beautiful game ugly.

“Football should be enjoyed by all, regardless of race, religion or sexuality.

“It has a significant cultural influence on wider society, especially with younger people.

“All Londoners must feel safe when supporting their team, without fear of intimidation or violence, and without being subjected to vile language or disgusting behaviour, as should stewards, club staff and the players themselves.”

Mr Desai added that he would urge all fans to “call out hate wherever they come across it”, but that authorities “must step in and make sure those responsible are held accountable”.

The figure revealed by the Mayor of London represents an increase in the number of hate crimes previously reported to police at football stadiums in the capital.

Compared to the 101 incidents reported in the past year, there were 116 hate crime offences reported to police between January 2015 and January 2018 at London’s football stadiums.

A total of 11 people were arrested last summer for racially abusing England players Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka following England’s defeat to Italy in the European Championship final.

Pictured top: Wembley stadium (Picture: PA)