Hughes unhappy as pitch invasions mar Burnley Cup clash

Burnley 0 Blackburn 0

During the closing five minutes of injury-time a Clarets supporter made his way on to the pitch and immediately ran up to Wales international Savage with fists raised, but backed off when the midfielder received support from team-mates, and was eventually tackled to the ground by police.

It was one of four incidents during a hostile game the FA are almost certain to investigate.

Two other supporters made their way on to the pitch, one during half-time, while the second was more comically a break-dancing male streaker.

More seriously, was the fact that a coin was thrown at Burnley winger Jean-Louis Valois from the end housing the Rovers supporters as he squared up to take a corner.

Following on from Saturday's incident when Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll was struck by a coin during his side's 2-0 win at Everton, this was yet another case of the game being brought into disrepute.

Hughes, though, was particularly disappointed with the pitch invaders bearing in mind the intense police and stewarding presence due to the bitter rivalry between the two sets of fans.

"For three people to encroach on the field of play was careless and it should be looked at," said Hughes.

"In this day and age it shouldn't happen. I know I've not seen it happen for many years. God forbid, the guy who came on wanting to have a fight with somebody, had had a knife."

Burnley chief executive Dave Edmundson was adamant the club had taken every precaution in trying to eliminate such incidents.

There were 600 police on duty inside and outside the ground, notably including a mounted force, while there were also dog handlers and a helicopter in constant evidence during and after the game.

"There will be a match report by the ground security officer, as well as a debrief with the police," said Edmundson.

"It's always disappointing when things happen like they did, but if people are determined to get on the pitch then they are always likely to get through. You cannot legislate for everything. It's a very difficult job to ensure things do not happen.

"We have to look at it and we will deal with it. We have shown in the past when there has been a conviction or a breach of ground security regulations, we apply life bans."

Blackburn will now be favourites to reach the last eight after gaining a replay, which will now take place at Ewood Park on Tuesday, March 1.

Rovers had the better of the chances against their Championship opponents, in particular with Morten-Gamst Pedersen forcing two good saves out of Brian Jensen from free-kick situations.

"We have come through a difficult tie," added Hughes.

"A number of Premiership teams have learned to their cost that this is a difficult place to come if you do not approach it in the right manner. I thought we did that and I am pleased we have got them again at Ewood Park."

Burnley boss Steve Cotterill was delighted to have avoided defeat, and he said: "I think it was a fair result."

BURNLEY: Jensen, Duff, Cahill, Sinclair (Oster 45), McGreal (Roche 78), Camara, Hyde, Grant, Valois, Whittingham, Moore (Branch 86).

BLACKBURN: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Johansson, Emerton, Tugay (Reid 64), Savage, Pedersen, Dickov (Johnson 73), Gallagher (Thompson 82).

Referee: M Dean (Wirral).