FOOTBALL fans who watched matches at the Reebok Stadium last season were among the most badly behaved in Division One, according to a new league table of trouble.

Officers made 77 arrests at the Middlebrook stadium during the campaign -- the sixth worst.

Of these, 33 were Bolton fans and the rest supporters of visiting teams.

There were 39 arrests for public order offences, four were drink related, 27 were for pitch encroachments, one was for ticket touting and there were four other miscellaneous offences.

The figures have been released by the National Criminal Intelligence Service, which has compiled reports from all clubs in all divisions.

Bury came top of the well-behaved list, with no arrests during home games at Gigg Lane last year.

Chief Insp Dave Wolstenholme, of Bolton police, said: "Our own statistics suggest there were more arrests made than shown in the league table, but we are happy with the way the majority of supporters behaved at the matches.

"Some of the games last season were against teams who have police-free matches at their home grounds, so they come to the Reebok expecting to be able to get away with it.

"There were also some big derby games when supporters become very enthusiastic.

"We have never had any serious disorder at the Reebok because we tend to nip it in the bud before it happens.

"Our message to people is come to the Reebok and enjoy the football. It is a safe environment."

Chief Insp Wolstenholme said there would be fewer category C games this season in the Premiership, where there is the highest risk of trouble, than they had last season.

Eileen Rigby, secretary of the club's supporters' association, has always felt safe watching games at the Reebok.

She said: "It could be horrendous during games in the 1970s and 80s.

"But today there are always plenty of police at the Reebok and I don't think anyone feels threatened there."

Sheffield United topped the Division One league with 90 arrests and Burnley came second with 83. Blackburn had 61 reported arrests.

In the Premiership, Newcastle were top with 191 arrests.