FOOTBALL bosses have warned York City they could face being deducted points if their fans continue to misbehave at away matches.

The Minstermen have been given a slap on the wrist by the Football Association in a letter which states the organisation may consider disciplinary action against the club if “further reports of spectator misconduct should be received”.

The letter, written by the FA’s head of stadia, safety and security Chris Whalley, was sent following City’s match at Woking last month when a “flare” was thrown onto the pitch – delaying the kick-off by three minutes.

Whalley said Woking confirmed nine York fans were ejected and “another 30 or so” decided to leave of their own volition following the incident, which was reported to the FA by match referee Kevin Johnson.

Whalley’s letter states: “The FA would be grateful for any measures your club could take to remind supporters such conduct is not only a criminal offence, but could also lead to disciplinary action under FA rules against the football club. Your club’s assistance in this matter would be much appreciated.

“The Football Association does not propose to take any further action on this occasion. However, please be advised that we may have to consider disciplinary action against the club if further reports of spectator misconduct should be received and the Association reserves the right to refer to the current matter in such circumstances.”

The FA’s intervention follows City’s own appeals to a small number of supporters following alleged incidents at several away grounds and after they were invoiced for more than £600 by opposing clubs for damage to toilets and fencing.

Sophie Hicks, City’s communications and community director, said the club was “very concerned” about the letter.

Hicks said FA chiefs had confirmed disciplinary action could be “in the form of a financial penalty or the deduction of points”.

She appealed to the “minority that do misbehave” to stop causing trouble on City’s travels.

“We are very concerned about the letter from the FA referring to supporter misconduct at away matches. The correspondence clearly states the FA will consider disciplinary action against the club if further incidents of supporter misconduct are reported,” she said.

“I have spoken to the FA and they have confirmed disciplinary action could be in the form of a financial penalty or the deduction of points, which would be disastrous for the football club.

“We know the majority of our supporters behave impeccably when travelling to away matches, but we appeal to the minority that do misbehave to please stop their activities as they are harming the reputation and well-being of York City Football Club.”