Lancashire Police say anyone intent on committing offences at this weekend’s derby match between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley ‘should expect to be arrested on the day or await a knock on the door’.
The Championship clubs will meet at Ewood Park at Saturday lunchtime for a highly-anticipated clash between two of the league’s form sides. Burnley have won three of their last five matches and sit second in the table, while Rovers have won their last two and sit just outside the play-offs on goal difference.
Earlier this season the game between the East Lancashire sides ended in a 1-1 draw with Andreas Weimann’s stunning goal for Blackburn cancelling out Lyle Foster’s opener. Striker Makhtar Gueye was given a red card in the match.
Rovers have failed to win any of their last nine league meetings with Burnley since a 1-0 away win in the Premier League in 2010. Burnley have also won each of their last three away league games against Rovers, however Rovers haven’t lost their opening home game of a calendar year since 2015.
In a statement released to fans, police have pledged a ‘significant’ operation involving specialist officers, police dogs, the mounted section, investigation teams, and aerial support. Resources will also be in place across the rest of East Lancashire, including Burnley, Darwen, Hyndburn, the Ribble Valley, Pendle and Rossendale, as well as on the rail networks.
Lyle Foster scored the opening goal for Burnley against Rovers earlier in the season
A force spokesperson said: “As we approach the East Lancashire Derby, Lancashire Police, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley Football Clubs are urging supporters to enjoy the day without letting passions spill over. Blackburn Rovers host Burnley FC at Ewood Park on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm).
“Similar to previous games, supporters are free to make their way to the stadium independently. There is no designated away fans pub, so any Burnley fans turning up early in Blackburn town centre will be directed to the ground in time for turnstiles opening at 11am.
“We want to reassure residents and fans from both clubs there is a significant police operation taking place across East Lancashire, with specialist officers, including police dogs, the mounted section, investigation teams, and aerial support. As well as a significant police presence in Blackburn, we will have resources across the rest of East Lancashire, including Burnley, Darwen, Hyndburn, the Ribble Valley, Pendle and Rossendale.
“Our BTP colleagues will also have resources on the rail networks supporting the safe travel of rail users and fans travelling to and from the fixture. We will continue working with both football clubs, the North West Ambulance Service, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, The English Football League, British Transport Police (BTP), local authorities, as well as other partners, up to and on the day of the fixture.
“The vast majority of fans wish to watch the match and support their team. However, for those few who may be intent on committing offences, whether inside or away from the stadium, they should expect to be arrested on the day or await a knock on the door from our officers.
“With this in mind, we would urge only fans with tickets to turn up to the stadium. Any away fan located in any of the home end stands can expect to be directed to leave the stadium.”
Andreas Weimann scored a stunning equaliser as the match in August ended 1-1
Supt Derry Crorken, who is Silver Commander for the fixture, said: “We know this is a significant occasion in the East Lancashire footballing calendar and the game that both sets of supporters look forward to the most, particularly with both clubs performing well in The Championship. I know that there will be a bumper crowd for this fixture and the overwhelming majority of fans want to passionately support their team.
“I would just ask that people enjoy the atmosphere and occasion without letting their passions overspill into disorderly behaviour. With the game once again being broadcast live on Sky Sports both sets of supporters will also be representing their clubs and East Lancashire football on the national stage.
“Please don’t be the person that lets your club down.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox