FOOTBALL fans in York could get the chance to watch the World Cup on the city’s very own big screen – but policing will be stepped up to cope with any crowd trouble.

Talks have been held about the possibility of providing an outdoor base for supporters when the sporting showcase in South Africa kicks off in June. Locations have yet to be decided.

City of York Council leader Andrew Waller said North Yorkshire Police would be involved in talks, but it is understood the force has already restricted officer leave during the tournament, and banned unscheduled leave when England are playing.

The move is to ensure police have enough resources to combat crime and alcohol-driven disorder on match days.

On the big screen idea, Coun Waller said: “It’s a real possibility.

“The most important thing is getting the right location. There would need to be a lot of space as televising the World Cup on a big screen would attract a lot of people – more than any other sporting event, like the Olympics.”

Coun Ian Gillies, leader of the council’s Conservative group, said: “We cannot put a big screen somewhere like Parliament Street, where it would hinder the enjoyment of the city.

“But Knavesmire or Rowntree Park would be perfect and would cater for a lot of people.

“There could be a bar and places set up where people could have a meal, and it would be just far enough out of the centre to prevent any problems with overcrowding.”

The discussions with police over the big screen follow the chaos in Manchester in May 2008. Violence flared in zones set up for fans watching the UEFA Cup final between Zenit St Petersburg and Glasgow Rangers, resulting in 52 assaults and 42 arrests.

North Yorkshire’s assistant chief constable, Sue Cross, said: “We have established an operational plan in conjunction with licensed premises to ensure an appropriate level of policing is maintained in North Yorkshire and the city of York during the World Cup.

“The plan has been put in place due to the potential for alcohol-related disorder during the tournament and in particular on the days when England are playing.

“To facilitate the plan, some rest days have been rescheduled in accordance with police regulations to enable the force to meet the demands of the World Cup and other events during that period.

“There have also been restrictions placed on the taking of annual leave for some dates during the tournament.”

England’s group games this year are against the USA at 7.30pm on June 12, Algeria at 7.30pm on June 18, and Slovenia at 3pm on June 23.