Footballers across York were facing major disruption after footpaths were closed on Knavesmire in the latest measure to combat the spread of foot and mouth.

The decision could rebound on the hundreds of footballers who play matches each Saturday and Sunday on Knavesmire's common land, though a spokesman for the York and District FA today told the Evening Press they were unaware of the action to close the footpaths.

Meanwhile, Cheltenham received a bitter, but not unexpected, blow when the Irish Racehorse Trainers' Association announced that there will be no Irish horses at this month's Festival meeting.

The announcement is a grave blow to the Festival, due to start in just 11 days' time, as racing strives to re-group after a seven-day suspension due to the foot and mouth crisis.

However, the issue may become academic, as it was also announced that the racecourse has fallen within an exclusion zone of a suspected foot and mouth case at a farm in nearby Woolstone.

Confirmation or clearance is expected within 48 hours, and if confirmed the exclusion zone would be in position for two weeks, resulting in a postponement of the Festival until April 17-19.

Updated: 15:21 Friday, March 02, 2001