THE Evening Press today uncovers the true cost and misery caused by a shocking rise in football hooliganism in York.

Police chiefs revealed that well-orchestrated football-related violence before, during and after York City games had increased by 50 per cent this season.

Officers made a total of 42 arrests both inside and outside Bootham Crescent - an increase of 30 per cent. Many more were arrested during away matches.

Meanwhile, it cost more than £150,000 to police the trouble - with only £30,000 recouped from the football club.

And police predicted today that the problems and costs may get worse next season with the visit of Yorkshire rivals, Huddersfield and Doncaster.

City police commander Chief Superintendent John Lacy is this week attending a national police conference in Hampshire to discuss ways of dealing with football-related violence.

He said York had seen a dramatic surge in well-organised hooliganism, with mobile phones, pagers and the internet being used to orchestrate the trouble.

"We're not prepared to tolerate the disorder," he told the Evening Press.

"This is well-organised. It didn't just happen that violence broke out - meeting places were clearly arranged.

"The cost of policing it is crazy, but we've got no option. It's an increasing burden on my budget."

Incidents this season have included:

Seven people being arrested after more than 40 supporters clashed at the Monument, in Station Rise, as Bury fans made their way to York station. Fighting broke out and several missiles were thrown, including pool balls and bottles

A man being "glassed" in the head in the Old White Swan pub, in Goodramgate, during an alleged attack on York City fans by three van loads of Shrewsbury supporters. Bottles were thrown and punches exchanged

Stewards and police separating Carlisle United and York City fans in Bootham Crescent's Popular Stand. Several seats were ripped out and thrown on to the pitch by some away supporters and a number of punches thrown

Police arresting 13 supporters, mainly in the city centre, before and after York City's home match against Hartlepool United.

A York City fan, who asked not to be named, was in the Old White Swan when the Shrewsbury supporters allegedly attacked.

"This guy had a chunk taken out of his nose with a bottle," she said. "It was just awful. We weren't even playing them."

PC Alistair Kennan, the city's football intelligence officer, added: "Hooliganism has come back this year in a big way. Many people think banning fans from grounds is draconian, but if they're involved in trouble they have got to accept the consequences."

York City spokesman Sophie McGill said the club would not tolerate hooliganism.

Updated: 11:09 Friday, May 16, 2003