THE family of a devoted football fan, who died tragically in a motorbike crash, today condemned "sick" vandals who attacked his team-badged grave in York Cemetery.

The headstone on the grave of 31-year-old Peter Rahelly, who died when his motorcycle was in collision with a jack-knifing lorry on the A64 near York two years ago, proudly bears the distinctive cannon emblem of Arsenal - the North London club he loved so much.

But his family and cemetery officials believe it could be this mark which saw his grave singled out as a target by vandals.

His headstone was left deeply marked after it was repeatedly hit and vases bearing floral tributes to him were smashed at the graveside in the cowardly attack.

His father Jim said: "It is beyond belief that someone would attack a person's grave. To think that it could be because of the football team he supported makes it even more senseless."

Peter's mother, Frances, who visits the grave almost daily, rushed to the cemetery after she was alerted by a shocked warden who discovered the damage yesterday.

She said: "We are just really sad about it. We just can't believe that someone would do such a terrible thing."

Peter was season ticket holder whose support for the Gunners began as a child when he lived in London with his family, who now live in Fulford, near the cemetery.

Mrs Rahelly said: "He was just Arsenal mad. We have still got all his team shirts at home."

His sister, Donna, said: "It is just disgusting. We are so angry. Whoever did this is sick."

PC Paul Woolford, of York police, said: "It is a terrible thing to happen and the family must be dreadfully upset.

"We would welcome any information from the public to help us catch whoever did this."

Anyone with information should call police on 01904 631321.