Police question fans over derby troouble

As many as 40 football fans were being questioned today following a match between two bitter rivals in the UK.

The East Lancashire derby between Burnley and Blackburn at Turf Moor yesterday resulted in the arrests, made up of both sets of fans.

Supt Terry Woods from Lancashire Police said last night: “A major policing operation has been in place throughout the day to prevent any disorder.

“Unfortunately we have had to deal with some disorder inside and outside the ground. However, the operation that is in place has enabled us to successfully deal with those pockets of disorder rapidly.”

He said police used an intelligence database as part of the operation to make a number of pro-active arrests as a preventative measure against further disorder within specific groups.

“I would like to point out that the vast majority of fans have behaved appropriately,” he added.

“Unfortunately, a minority have chosen not to behave in the same way which has led to a number of arrests.

“The safety of the majority of spectators there to enjoy the game was paramount and I am conscious that in order to achieve this, people leaving the ground have had to take alternative routes home.

“I would like to thank those fans who have been patient, especially around travel arrangements and changing their route home.”