Skip to main contentEnter

Portman Road ranks as second-safest stadium among top clubs

News

According to recent arrest data, Ipswich Town's Portman Road has been named the second-safest stadium among England's twenty-five most-supported football clubs.

Ipswich Town Football Club – Welcome to Portman Road
Portman Road has been named the second-safest stadium among England's twenty-five most-supported football clubsHolly Williams

Portman Road has long been described as a metaphorical "fortress" because of the players' on-field performances. Now, research by Get Licensed suggests that it's also a fortress for the fans' off-field performances, too.

Why it matters: Portman Road's low arrest rate highlights the club's excellent fan culture and commitment to fan safety and positive match-day experiences.

Safest stadiums of England's top 25 most-supported clubs based on number of arrests

By the numbers:

  • Ipswich Town recorded 0.12 arrests per 10,000 supporters during the 2022/23 season

  • There were only seven arrests made at the stadium throughout the season

  • Only Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park had a lower rate at 0.06 arrests per 10,000 fans

The big picture: The data comes from a study of arrest rates at England's top 25 most-supported clubs based on attendance figures.

Between the lines: The low arrest rate indicates effective security measures and highlights the club's positive fan culture.

Looking ahead: The club's safety record outperformed all but one Premier League club last year.

Some will rightly point out that there's been very little cause for trouble these past two seasons, so let's ensure that Portman Road remains a safe and enjoyable place for fans from across the country to watch football in a season where not every result will go our way.

Sources

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

Load next article