Police chief blames late pub hours during World Cup for spike in domestic abuse

Extended pub opening hours during this year's World Cup contributed to a significant surge in violent incidents, a leading police chief has warned.Chief Constable Mark Roberts, who leads on football for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), stated that some government licensing approaches "exacerbated" the violence witnessed throughout the tournament.New figures from the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) reveal a total of 2,322 football-related incidents were recorded by forces across England and Wales during the competition.

This marks a substantial 78 per cent increase from the 1,302 incidents logged during Euro 2024. The numbers surpassed those of every comparable tournament, with the exception of Euro 2020, which saw 2,345 incidents, according to Mr Roberts.Notably, incidents occurring at licensed premises, including pubs, accounted for 43 per cent of all recorded disturbances during the World Cup.

Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer permitted pubs to remain open until 5am just 48 hours before England's match against Mexico on 6 July.open image in galleryFormer Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer permitted pubs to remain open until 5am just 48 hours before England's match against Mexico on 6 July. (AP)The late notice was criticised by Mr Roberts, who also said: “The increased hours did lead to more issues.”

“The extension of licencing laws needs to be done with some thought, and it needs to take a broad-based view of the consequences as well as the benefits of blanket relaxations in the legislation,” he added.“Again, the late notice didn’t help in relation to the Mexico game.“The draw was made on December 5 2025.

The decision to change licencing laws for that fixture, which was eminently foreseeable, was 48 hours before the game itself, which left forces with no time to re-roster teams, bring people on, give people notice or take other measures.“So again, please give consideration to the rounded point, factor into any threat assessment, the impact, the negative impact, as well as the positive benefits.“And we frankly collectively must do better for the next tournament to have policies laid out in advance, fully consulted, so that we can make plans as can local authorities.”

Domestic abuse incidents hit a record high during this year’s World Cup, compared to previous similar tournaments, the UKFPU figures show.Some 384 incidents of football-related domestic abuse were reported to police forces during the recent competition.open image in galleryChief Constable Mark Roberts, who leads on football for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), stated that some government licensing approaches ‘exacerbated’ the violence witnessed throughout the tournament (PA Archive)It was up 9 per cent from the 351 logged during the Euro 2024, and marked a 223 per cent increase on the 119 recorded during the 2022 World Cup.

Mr Roberts said the figures show a “depressing picture”.He said the football-related domestic incidents were counted as those that happened before, during or after World Cup matches, and were “clearly” related to the event.Mr Roberts added there was “a massive concern” over rape incidents and spiking allegations at licensed premises reported during the tournament, which he said the NPCC is planning on looking into.

Asked about what the increase in domestic abuse and overall incidents could be attributed to, Mr Roberts told the Press Association: “I try and say that this isn’t a football-specific thing, you know, it’s around events.“This is driven largely by alcohol consumption, I would say, and drugs. The football becomes the catalyst for people to go and have excessive alcohol, etc.

“We see it in night-time economies every week. Police get very used to dealing with it, and alcohol is the principal driver.”He added: “I think some of the licencing approach exacerbated that, so I think we need to reflect on that, take stock, rely on the procedures that we have to support the hospitality trade, but keep the balance right as well with public safety.”

open image in gallerySome 384 incidents of football-related domestic abuse were reported to police forces during the recent competition. (PA Wire)Mr Roberts said there was an increase in both the volume and “severity” of football-related incidents as the England team progressed through the knockout stage, with 575 incidents recorded around the Three Lions’ match against Argentina on 15 July.He said a man was stabbed after leaving a licensed premises after the game against Norway on 11 July, and another after the match against Argentina.

A stepfather and stepson were also involved in a strangulation incident after England played Norway.He said there was also widespread disorder across London following France’s game against Morocco on 9 July.The UKFPU figures show 391 arrests were made during this year’s World Cup, which was again the highest figure recorded when comparing to previous similar tournaments and excluding the Euro 2020, Mr Roberts said.

However, he note