Twenty two members of Carlisle United’s Blue Army were arrested at matches last season.

The figures, published by the Home Office, puts supporters of Keith Curle’s side fifth in a table of League Two sides for the 2015/16 campaign.

It is a significant jump from 2014/15 - when 10 United fans were arrests. However it does follow a league-wide trend, with the number of fans arrested across the division increasing by 31 per cent during the same period.

United also have 15 banning orders currently in operation, also placing them joint-fifth in a table of League Two clubs.

The findings, which cover all 92 Football League clubs as well as those in the National League, reveal that nine Blues fans were arrested at the club’s Brunton Park home, while 13 fans were arrested at away games.

Last season five fans were arrested for possession of pyrotechnics - something the club is keen to clamp down on. During Saturday’s game with Mansfield Town a flare was thrown onto the pitch from the Warwick Road End.

However United fans were not to blame with the offence committed by fans of a Scottish club. Andy Hall, United’s media officer, said: “Our fans were quick to distance themselves from the incident, which they must be commended for.

“Flares are a problem but I think it’s not just in this league, it’s a country-wide problem. Fans are copying things from abroad that they think will make the game better. We search fans before every game to see if they are trying to bring in pyrotechnics.”

Five arrests were also made for public order offences, with a further five made for pitch incursion. Three fans were arrested for racist and indecent chanting and three were arrested for alcohol offences - with one fan handed a banning order for making racist comments during United’s FA Cup clash with Everton at the start of the year.

One supporter was also arrested for breaching a football banning order.

The League Two table is topped by Portsmouth, with 39 arrests and who are closely followed by Plymouth Argyle with 37.

Mr Hall added: We’re continuing to work proactively with police and we have a specific approach to every game. We don’t mess about. If someone is found to be causing disruption then we have no problem in taking action and issuing a banning order if need be.”