THE fall-out from England's early exit from Euro 2000 could cost York businesses thousands of pounds.

Defeat against Romania did more than damage English pride, it has also hit us in the wallet, the Evening Press can reveal today.

York brewer Tony Thomson has seen sales of his special brew Referee's Revenge fall since the last-minute penalty wiped out England's tournament hopes.

"The brew was especially for the football and the early exit has left with plenty left over still at the brewery," he said.

"They weren't the best team, but for the sake of sales an extra match would have been appreciated."

The Bootham Tavern, in Bootham, was among York pubs showing the games and landlord Paul Worthington is frustrated at the team's demise.

"The pub was absolutely heaving during the England games and while we were still in it people watched a lot of the other games," said the York City season ticket holder.

"Now we are out, there has been a big drop in interest. We could have made a lot of money if the team had stayed in.

"Both as an Englishman and a businessman I am disappointed with the team."

Chris Fall, landlord at the Northern Wall, Fossgate, York, took more than £3,000 extra over the bar whenever England were playing.

"It is a great shame we are out," he told the Evening Press.

"Interest in the tournament has dropped right off, we stood to make a lot more money had we gone all the way."

As a Manchester United fan he was unwilling to blame Phil Neville for the penalty which cost England the Romania game. The game was being shown on two big screens and five televisions in the pub.

Sainsbury's spent large sums of money promoting merchandise and special offers at their two York superstores.

"It was a lot of money to spend for such a short-lived participation in the tournament," said duty manager Ed Wilson.

"Our loyalty scheme offered extra points while England stayed in, so some of the customers have been affected by our early exit."

But one fish-and-chip shop owner has benefited: "While they were playing we were completely dead," said Richard Jackson, of Holgate Fisheries. "As a fan I would have wanted them to go all the way, but from a business point-of-view it is good that they are out.

"After the Germany game we did get a few in celebrating on the way home, but we were empty for the game.

"I can expect business to pick up now."