With the worrying increase of football violence in York, MATTHEW

WOODCOCK talks to city police chiefs about their response

THE shocking rise in football hooliganism which has plagued York City centre this season could get even worse, police chiefs have warned.

PC Alistair Kennan, the city's football intelligence officer, said York City were set to play two more derby games next season - which could mean more trouble.

He revealed that incidents of football-related violence had increased by 50 per cent this season and the number of arrests had risen by 30 per cent.

Many more supporters were arrested during away matches. The season's main violence flashpoints were before, during and after games against Hartlepool, Bury, and Carlisle.

"It's a worry for us that that next season we will have the potential for more trouble when York City play two more derby games against Huddersfield and Doncaster," PC Kennan said.

"Hooliganism has come back this year in a big way. We've seen well-known York troublemakers come back on to the scene this season who we haven't seen for years.

"Football intelligence is the key to dealing with it. I will be taking a more pro-active approach in time for next season by working closely with licensees."

York City chiefs say they are taking the issue very seriously. The club's communications director, Sophie McGill, said: "Our chief executive Keith Usher, who works with the police and organises security at York City, is from a police background and totally aware of what measures are required. York City is now a true community club, owned and run by its supporters to secure a long term future.

"We must now encourage the next generation of supporters to come, but to do that we can't tolerate violence surrounding the games."

Updated: 09:12 Friday, May 16, 2003