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Widespread cocaine use by football fans is fuelling increased disorder at matches, Britain’s top football cop has told the Mirror.

It comes as England prepare to play Italy behind closed doors today as punishment for shameful scenes at last summer’s European Championship final at Wembley. Police warn it is "highly likely" excessive alcohol and drug use will cause further trouble at events this summer.

National football policing lead Chief Constable Mark Roberts warned of an increase in disorder. He said: "While there are many reasons for this, the use of cocaine is a contributory factor and one which needs to be addressed. Recent operations have identified widespread cocaine use both around stadiums [and] on the rail network as supporters travel to games."

Fans told the Mirror they had seen cocaine being openly snorted in the stands. And a security boss at a Premier League ground warned of a return to the lager louts of the 1980s – but this time combining excessive booze with class A drugs.

The source said: "It’s become more apparent recently that there’s a general rise in violence and disorder at matches. Pre-Covid, there were not these levels of disorder.