Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Saturday, 4th January 2025, at 17:30hrs
Officers are aware of other offences being committed by both sides and ongoing work to identify offenders is now underway
Six arrests were made on Saturday during the East Lancashire Derby at Ewood Park.
Blackburn Rovers faced Burnley FC this afternoon at Ewood Park.
For the majority of fans, it was a fun match day, but sadly, a minority let themselves down their clubs down and their families down.
In a statement released after the game, Lancashire Police said:
“Now full time has been blown on another East Lancashire Derby, we wanted to thank those fans who enjoyed the match in a respectful way.
Sadly, however some supporters let themselves, their clubs and their families down by committing criminal acts.
A man was arrested inside Ewood Park and remain in custody at this time. They are:
A 52-year-old man from Darwen who was arrested on suspicion of common assault.
A further five people were arrested outside the stadium and also remain in custody. They are:
A 19-year-old man from Burnley and a second individual who was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
An 18-year-old man from Burnley who was arrested on suspicion of Assaulting a Police Officer
A 53-year-old man from Preston who was arrested on suspicion of Section 5 Public Order.
A 36-year-old man from Darwen was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.
We are aware of other offences committed inside the stadium including the throwing of objects by both sets of supports, criminal damage in relation to the ripping out of seats and racist behaviour. We will be reviewing evidence, including all footage available, and working with both clubs to identify those involved. They should expect to be arrested and/or receive Football Banning Orders.
We will maintain an enhanced police presence throughout East Lancashire for the remainder of the day.
Supt Derry Crorken, who was Silver Commander for the fixture, said:
“Today saw a significant policing operation to ensure the latest chapter of the East Lancashire Derby passed off safely.
“I would like to thank the vast majority of supporters for supporting their team the correct way during what was a fiercely contested match.
“Unfortunately, a handful of mindless individuals engaged in criminal acts. Some of those individuals have been arrested and are currently in custody. We will thoroughly review the evidence gathered so far and look to make further arrests going forward.”
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