The ugly issue of racism raised its head this week following alleged racial abuse of the referee at the Halifax Town match on Monday.

There have been no official complaints filed to date but the topic has been attracting attention on the unofficial website and one fan got in touch with us registering her utter disgust at the comments she heard.

She wrote: "As a York City FC fan of ten years I was absolutely disgusted at the behaviour of a number of York fans at the Conference game away at Halifax.

"As well as foul language and vandalism, I was utterly horrified to hear racist comments. References to the recent tragedies in London were both distasteful and upsetting.

"This is the first time in my life that I was embarrassed to be associated with football."

Halifax Town said they had received no complaints about behaviour or language in the away stand.

City communications and community director Sophie McGill said: "The club has not received any complaints regarding alleged racist comments made by supporters at the Halifax away game.

"We have made our own enquiries with club employees and Trust members who attended the match in the away stand and none of the individuals we approached were aware of such comments being made."

But surely if just one person was upset by racist chants, that is one too many, and City reiterated their firm stance on the subject with bans promised for abusive fans.

McGill added: "Clearly, we do not tolerate racist behaviour of any form at York City and actively promote this on our official website and in our own annual Minstermen Against Racism publications.

"Our policy clearly states should racist comments be made at our own ground the perpetrators will face arrest and a life ban from the club."

The only way that can happen though is if people speak up and kick it out.

"If our fans have any concerns regarding this issue, we urge them to contact club secretary Nigel Pleasants, who can be contacted on 0870 777 1922," added McGill.

"Alternatively, Kick It Out, who we work closely with, have their own hotline offering support and advice on 08001 699414."

A new steward exchange scheme is making waves in Conference safety protocol.

Several of York City's stewarding regulars made the trip to The Shay on Monday to keep an eye on the away fans following a trial with North Yorkshire rivals last term.

And it is proving to be a big success.

York City safety officer Eric Hope said: "The idea of stewards travelling to away games came from a safety officers' conference I attended last season. We trialled the concept at Scarborough last Christmas, and then at Halifax on Monday.

"The scheme has worked very well and is beneficial to both clubs as it reduces policing costs. Also, it is good for supporters to see a familiar face away from home. I think it helps the atmosphere."

Halifax Town will return the favour when they descend on KitKat Crescent in April.

Two ex-City men have added yet more names to their clubs tally.

Goalkeeper Paul Crichton has found his way back into the League at Gillingham - his third club since leaving KitKat Crescent under a cloud at the beginning of last season. He has also been at Leigh RMI and Accrington Stanley.

Greg Heald, meanwhile, completed a third move of the close season when he finally signed for Aldershot on Tuesday.

He famously signed under Billy McEwan at the beginning of July but changed his mind three days later. He then went to Burton Albion and had a look at Lancashire club Ashton United but went to The Shots this week.

Billy McEwan said: "He's got a fair bit of travelling to do from Cheshire if he's gone down there - especially when you think that York was too far for him..."

Time will tell.

Sharp-eyed City fans with a penchant for spot the difference will have noticed something new about the team when they lined up against Halifax Town - and I don't mean Andy Bishop in for Darren Mansaram.

Commercial manager Elliot Stroud brokered a deal with online betting site bluesq.com for a back of the shirts and shorts sponsorship in time for the Sky game on Monday night.

He said: "They came on board for that one game with a view to extending it, fingers crossed. We were absolutely delighted with it and everybody noticed it.

"It even went with the kit nicely."

On the same subject, it appears that success on the field is helping to breed success off it with commercial sales rocketing.

Anyone wanting to back the Minstermen by sponsoring goals, players or snapping up a commercial box is urged to call Elliot Stroud on 0870 777 1922.

Hotte date

York City skipper Mark Hotte has been announced as the special guest at Monday's Harrogate Minstermen meeting at the Ivy Cottage, Knaresborough, starting at 8pm.

Updated: 09:29 Saturday, September 03, 2005