Football's shame

This is not the only part of Yorkshire which should be concerned, however, as Sheffield Wednesday's rise up the list shows that a small minority of fans are still so deluded as to think criminal damage and physical violence give them a legendary reputation. In fact, such behaviour only harms the image of this region and undermines the progress which British football has made since the nadir of the 1980s.

The work between police, clubs and the Football Association is paying off but, as the North Yorkshire force recognised earlier this month, no-one can afford to let down their guard in case a new generation of yobs tries to echo the brutality of the old guard. The civilised majority is winning the fight against the thuggery of the few, but the final whistle cannot yet be blown.