NEW figures on football-related violence reveal the number of fans arrested at York City games last season more than doubled those of the previous year.

But the total figure of 13 arrests still places the club way down the list in football's league table of shame released by the Home Office.

Sophie McGill, York City's communications director, said the club was keen to see its relatively low arrest rate decrease even further during the coming campaign.

The Third Division's worst offenders were Carlisle United with 34 arrests, but this number still paled when compared with Sunderland (154 arrests) and Birmingham City (137 arrests).

Two banning orders have been enforced at Bootham Crescent, compared to 124 at Stoke City and 169 at Cardiff City.

Nationally, the number of arrests at matches rose by 19 per cent from 4,035 in 2001 to 2002 to 4,793 in 2002 to 2003.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said the increase in arrests was due to tough legislation and targeted policing aimed at tackling football hooliganism.

Nearly 100,000 spectators attended matches at Bootham Crescent during the last season. Of the arrests, 11 were at home and two were away. The majority of arrests were for public and violent disorder and alcohol offences.

Miss McGill said: "The arrest rate compared to other clubs in our division is relatively low, but we are keen to see this decrease further this season.

"We are now a true community football club and intend to continue to work closely with the local police to ensure Bootham Crescent remains a safe place for our supporters.

"Given the situation of uncertainty surrounding the club last season, I believe our fans behaved impeccably home and away and should be considered a credit to football supporters everywhere."

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, August 19, 2003