Nine fans arrested at East Lancashire derby clash

Police made the arrests at the hotly-contested Championship match at Turf Moor which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Two women, both 25-years-old from Blackburn, have been arrested on suspicion of theft after they attempted to leave the ground with stolen seats.

A 27-year-old man from Burnley, a 40-year-old man from Accrington and a 52-year-old man from Nelson have been arrested for using threatening words and behaviour.

A 23-year-old man from Burnley has been arrested for going onto a playing area at a football match.

A 26-year-old man from Padiham has been arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

A 29-year-old man from Bacup has been arrested for being drunk in a sports ground.

A 27-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a seat.

All were being held in custody for questioning by police.

Hundreds of officers were involved in the huge police operation surrounding the 100th East Lancashire derby which police say passed without major incident.

Gold Commander Superintendent Terry Woods said: “I would like to thank the supporters for being patient, especially around travel arrangements.

“Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone could enjoy the game safely and that the law abiding decent supporters didn’t have their day ruined by a small minority.

“Officers will remain on duty both in Blackburn and Burnley to deal with any other issues that may occur and to provide reassurance to people who work and live in the town centres.”