MORE than 30 Bradford City fans were arrested last season and 56 are currently subject to football banning orders, Home Office figures have revealed.

Only Bristol City in League One had more banning orders against risk supporters and the Bantams have four more than local rivals Leeds United, who are in the Championship.

But the situation appears to be improving, as only three new banning orders were imposed against City supporters between September 21 last year and September 3 this year - that figure was less than many other clubs in League One.

During the 2013/14 season, 32 City supporters were arrested in all competitions - again less than a number of other League One clubs.

Only two of the arrests were at home games, with the rest being at away matches. Half of the arrests were for public disorder offences, nine for alcohol offences, six for violent disorder, and one for use or possession of fireworks or flares.

Nationally, there were 2,273 arrests, down by seven per cent. There were identical figures for football banning orders.

The Home Office said football-related arrests were the lowest on record last season.

City's director of operations, Dave Baldwin, said: "The figures are, generally speaking, encouraging. We will continue to work hard, with the police, to keep reducing the figures."

Lifelong City fan Dave Pendleton, curator of the Bantamspast museum at Valley Parade, said that following City was the safest it had been for decades.

"I have been a supporter since the 1970s and the behaviour of fans is a world away from those days, it has much improved.

"You still have a very small percentage who hark back to the bad old days, but it is reducing every year. But that attitude is so far removed from the vast majority of supporters. It's not part of the culture anymore," he added.

Football Intelligence Officer PC Matt Irvine said: "Football Banning Orders are a vital tool in reducing crime and disorder around Bradford City Football fixtures.

"West Yorkshire Police have sought Banning Orders on the small minority of Bradford City supporters who see football fixtures as an excuse to engage in disorder and anti-social behaviour. This was particularly prevalent in the years prior to the 2013/14 season.

"Arrests of Bradford City supporters at Valley Parade were reduced to only two during the 2013/14 season showing that the proper use and implementation of Football Banning Orders has allowed West Yorkshire Police, in conjunction with the football club, to make Valley Parade a safe and family-friendly environment.

"The football policing team are committed to further reducing disorder and will continue to actively seek Football Banning Orders on those people whose behaviour around football fixtures falls below an acceptable standard."