To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what measures his Department (a) has introduced and (b) is planning to introduce to record and report the number of incidences of homophobic abuse at football matches; (119106)

Racist or indecent chanting in football grounds is a criminal offence under the Football (Offences) Act 1991; depending on the circumstances of each case this may include homophobic chanting. There were 56 arrests for the offence in the 2005-06 season, and 52 arrests in 2004-05. The data do not specify the type of chanting involved.

Local police football intelligence officers provide the UK Football Policing Unit with details of incidents, offences and arrests connected with all league and cup matches in England and Wales. Although I understand this intelligence does not suggest that homophobic chanting is a growing problem developments are kept under review.

In addition I understand the Premier League and Football League intend to amend generic ground regulations for next season to make clear to all spectators that homophobic and other discriminatory abuse, chanting or harassment may result in arrest and/or ejection from the ground.