THERE have been at least 12 football-related arrests in Reading this year.
Many of the arrests were for public disorder after matches, which take place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium off the M4.
Government figures show that there have been a total of 2,264 football-related arrests in the top five divisions in England and Wales last season, an increase of almost 1,000 across a five-year period.
Last year, the Royals were among the lowest with just eight arrests which then jumped to 19 for the 2021/22 campaign.
Eight of the 19 arrests were for public disorder offences, while violent disorder, throwing missiles, offensive chanting and alcohol offences all featured.
This season, there have been at least 12 arrests so far which have been confirmed by Thames Valley Police.
On April 26, six young fans were arrested after an incident occurred at about 5pm in a car park near to the stadium and on the A33 – by the KFC restaurant in Reading Gate Retail Park.
Thames Valley Police appealed for witnesses after six males, who were aged between of 13 and 23, were arrested.
The six fans were released by police.
In June, Didcot’s Oliver Saunders was detained at the Reading vs Huddersfield Town game for having alcohol in the stands.
He was arrested and appeared at Oxford Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to possession of intoxicating liquor in a viewing area of sporting event - he was given a 12-month conditional discharge.
In August, two public order incidents occurred after the match between Reading FC and Peterborough United FC on Saturday (August 5).
The clubs played at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in Reading in the EFL League One.
There were two public order incidents in the segregation area after Peterborough scored shortly before half time and again at the final whistle.
No arrests were made.
In September, five sexual assault reports were made at a weekend match between Reading FC vs Bolton Wanderers FC match which took place on Saturday (September 16)
Police appealed for witnesses but no arrests were made.
The following month, a man was arrested on October 10 after a fight happened outside Select Car Leasing Stadium following a match between Reading and Swindon Town which saw the former win five to nil.
Videos uploaded to X, formerly Twitter, showed a large number of hooded people surrounding a person on the floor, seemingly being kicked.
A second video showed two people lying on the floor well people in high-vis vests are controlling the crowds.
Police confirmed a 23-year-old was arrested and released on bail to later appear in court.
In November, four football supporters from Bristol were arrested when Reading drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers.
Footage had circulated appearing to show an away supporter throwing a flare after the Rovers had equalised at the SCL Stadium, causing uproar from both sets of supporters.
Thames Valley Police confirmed a 15-year-old boy and a 30-year-old man, both from Bristol, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a flare. These were in relation to flares being lit and thrown into the crowd.
The force also said a 31-year-old man from Bristol was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a flare while leaving the stadium.
Meanwhile, a 26-year-old man from Bristol was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order, in relation to racist abuse being shouted at the players during the match.
The men have all been released on police bail, to later appear in court, and the boy received a community resolution.
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