These figures come as no shock to Umar Ali, a player for Bradford-based semi-professional side Route One Rovers.
During Ramadan last year, he was subjected to racist abuse from a group of opposing supporters while preparing to enter the match as a substitute.
“It was the first match we had played while fasting,” he explained. “We were naturally hungry, and I was probably not as patient as usual that day.
“As I was getting ready to go onto the pitch, a supporter told me to remove my beard and said it made me look like a paedophile.
“Another person lifted up a child who appeared to be six or seven and said, ‘I imagine your wife is about the same age as this child’.”
Umar said the men appeared to be in their sixties.
“It was deeply upsetting because they were older than my father,” he continued. “They were around my grandfather’s age, yet they felt completely at ease standing there and making those remarks.”
According to Umar, the assistant referee overheard the abuse and reported it to the referee, but he says no action was taken.
Police were later notified, and the supporters involved were identified. Umar says he has not received any information about the final outcome.
His manager, Mohammed Patel, was in the dugout at the time. Although the opposing team’s coaching staff apologised for their supporters, he believed the match officials failed in their responsibilities and should have removed those directing racist and Islamophobic abuse at his players.
Patel said: “It was an extremely emotional experience for everyone involved. After the match, we found ourselves asking why this continues to happen. Some of the language used was truly appalling.
“I believe stronger measures must be implemented at every level. We are working closely with local football authorities to find a way through this issue, but firm action needs to be compulsory.”
The Northern Counties East Football League issued the opposing club with a £300 fine and nine disciplinary points. Patel, however, believes that punishment fails to tackle the underlying issue.
“We have witnessed more severe penalties for violent incidents during matches, red cards and even administrative errors,” he said.
“Given the seriousness of this incident, we were deeply dissatisfied with the decision.”
Patel has contacted the Football Association to press for change but is still waiting for a reply.
He said: “Clear standards must be established, and tougher penalties need to be brought in. Leadership on this issue has to begin at the highest level.”
In a statement, the FA said: “We have brought in stronger penalties for both clubs and individuals, introduced a new programme aimed at improving conduct, and established charges linked to the accumulation of penalty points in grassroots football.
“These measures expand on previous action that allows league points to be deducted from clubs repeatedly found responsible for serious misconduct.”
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