Domestic abuse-related crimes were higher than usual across Greater Manchester during four of England’s eight World Cup match days, according to previously unseen police figures.
Data released following a Freedom of Information request by sports news website 101 Great Goals shows recorded crime levels exceeded the average for the same weekday over the previous four weeks on four match days.
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The biggest increase came on June 27, when almost 14 million people tuned into ITV to watch England beat Panama 2-0.
Greater Manchester Police recorded 83 domestic abuse-related crimes that day, compared with an average of just over 70 across the previous four Saturdays, an increase of approximately 18%.
Crimes also rose during close Mexico and Norway wins, with recorded crime levels above the relevant four-week average on July 6, when England edged Mexico 3-2, and on July 11, when England beat Norway 2-1 after extra time.
Police recorded 71 domestic abuse-related crimes after the Mexico game, compared with an average of 64 across the previous four Mondays, a rise of around 12%. Following the Norway epic, the force recorded 77 crimes, about 15% higher than the average of almost 67 across the previous four Saturdays.
Crime levels were also higher on July 15, when England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the semi-final. A total of 68 domestic abuse-related crimes were recorded, compared with a previous four-week Wednesday average of 65, although below the relevant four-week average during England’s other four matches.
The lowest match-day figure came on July 18, when England beat France 6-4 in the third-place play-off. Police recorded 53 domestic abuse-related crimes, compared with an average of just over 70 across the previous four Saturdays.
The force separately supplied domestic abuse arrest figures, which peaked the day after Panama victory, when police made 58 arrests linked to domestic abuse incidents. This followed 47 arrests on the match day itself.
Recorded crimes also increased from 83 on June 27 to 87 the following day.
Jon Fisher, from 101 Great Goals said: “Football should bring people together. Whatever happens on the pitch, nobody should ever have to fear what might happen at home when the final whistle blows.
“Domestic abuse is complex and these figures alone cannot tell us what was behind every incident, but no football result can ever excuse abuse.
“We hope sharing these findings helps raise awareness, encourages people to look out for those around them and reminds anyone experiencing abuse that support is available.”
