THE number of York City supporters arrested by police rose by 300 per cent last season - but the number of arrests is still low.

Figures released last week by the Office for National Statistics showed there were eight York City fans arrested in the 2016/2017 season - the club's first season in the National League - with seven arrested for violent disorder and one for a pitch incursion.

That number, while still only a handful of arrests, was four times the number from the 2015/2016 season - when the club was in League Two - which saw just two people arrested, one for alcohol offences, and another for the possession of a pyrotechnic.

Both represent a drop in arrests from the 2014/2015 season - when the club was also in League Two - when nine people were arrested, four for public disorder, one for a pitch incursion, two for alcohol offences and two for breaching previous banning orders.

The statistics showed York City fans were best behaved during away matches, with 13 of the 19 arrests over the last three years all being made in York. Five of the arrests were made during away matches, and one at 'a neutral ground'.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Our officers continue to work closely with York City Football Club’s management and security team, as well as with the opposition clubs and their local police forces, to stamp out disorder and make match days safe and secure for everyone who attends.

"We continue to ask rival fans to to show respect and ensure these sporting occasions remain family-orientated and enjoyable. We will not tolerate disruptive, anti-social and criminal behaviour. The police and the football club will take action against those intent on causing trouble."

The number of banning orders handed to York City supporters in 2015 was eight, with four in 2016, three in 2017 and six in 2018 (to August 1).

*York City were invited to comment on this story, but declined.