Six arrests were made at Blackburn v Burnley on Saturday as police issue statement on what happened during the East Lancashire Derby.
Superintendent Derry Crorken, who served as the Silver Commander for the fixture, expressed gratitude towards the majority of the fans for their behaviour.
However, he also warned that those involved in any misconduct should expect to be arrested either on the day or later, as part of ongoing investigations.
The police are also looking into further incidents inside the stadium, including racist behaviour and the vandalism of seats.
The police operation involved extensive measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the match for all law-abiding fans.
Today’s Cotton Mill Derby between Blackburn Rovers & Burnley may not have been much of a spectacle on the field but there’s no doubt the fans hate each other with a passion as Polis repel a Rovers Youth attack on the Dingles.
Ps Celtic fav. TikTok Todd was his usual pish self. pic.twitter.com/xwCkL3M0MT
— The Fast Lovin’ Sin-Soaked Heathen (@fast_sin) January 4, 2025
Bastards get battered everywhere they go x pic.twitter.com/aCLQoT65f2
— Adam (@adam_major1) January 4, 2025
POLICE STATEMENT:
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.”
Zian Flemming scored the only goal as Scott Parker’s Clarets prevailed at the home of their rivals. It leaves his side sitting 2nd with 52 points from 26 game splayed and a point behind Championship leaders Leeds, while Blackburn are 7th with 39 points from 25 games played.
Blackburn’s John Eustace said, per Sky Sports: “I was very proud of the efforts of the boys. We went toe to toe with a very good team and good squad of players. The effort of the group was very good.
“It’s a local derby, I thought there was going to be one goal in it. Both teams are defensively very good. I was disappointed with the manner we conceded. We switched off from a cross, I think it was their first effort on goal. It is what it is.
“I think when you look at the two teams, and if you look at the three games that we’ve played against the three teams in the top three or four in the last couple of weeks, I think we’ve been very good. You can see we need help in the squad.
“We need to keep improving and get players back from injury as quickly as we can. There’s possibly seven that would have started today that weren’t available.”
Burnley’s Scott Parker: “I explained to the players over the last couple of days that I’ve played in many a derby and sometimes they do bring a different game. I didn’t expect the game to look any different to how it looked today.
“I always felt it was going to be a bit of a scrappy game with the sheer emotion of what the game brought. I needed calm heads and show our quality in certain moments and manage the game.
“Mentality was always going to be a major factor and there’s something about this group. For such a young group that when they need to go to places that are difficult to go to, they go there.
“We had quality today, our one bit of quality. The game was always going to be defined in one moment. We execute, lovely cross, Flemming scores. After that, no denying, we have to go to places that are uncomfortable and to a man this group, subs included, people on the bench, they go there.
“What this team has done defensively this year has been nothing short of sensational. I get the defensive side is probably not the most glamorous. It’s the bedrock and foundation of any team really. This team has real traits of one which wants to protect their goal. It is a badge of honour for us.
“We leave another away game with a clean sheet and it gives us a foundation to win games. That was evident today. It was a fine margin game and what got us that was a clean sheet.”
Zian Flemming said: “It was very enjoyable. To me it just gives more excitement. When you walk out you just feel that atmosphere, it’s a little bit different. I don’t mind the jeering I think it’s quite fun!”
Looking back at the game how did he feel the team dealt with the derby and all aspects that come with it?
“I think really well actually. I thought our game management was top. We know derby games are a bit different. Blackburn are doing really well so an away game in general against a team that’s doing well is different. Sometimes it asks for something a little bit different than just playing nice football, we tried to mix it up well today and I think we did that.”
“Another clean sheet is something to be proud of because it’s not normal, even though it happens so often to us, it’s not something to take for granted. If we take our foot off the accelerator a tiny bit then you know we will concede goals, so it’s important to stick at it week in, week out, which is what we’re doing now. Then if you see the result of that it’s very satisfying.”
How much does it mean to give the Burnley fans the bragging rights?
“I couldn’t count all of them, but the stand was quite big and it looked full as well! Obviously, you feel that on the pitch in the warmup, during the game. Scoring on that side makes it even better because you look all those people in the eyes, and you see what it means to them and the joy we as a team have given to them.
“We try our hardest day in day out, week in week out, to get wins. But we know that this game has an extra edge about it and there’s nothing better than giving them a great weekend, maybe even a great week!
“I think there are moments in games where sometimes we have to dig in and we have to make those extra yards even though your legs have gone or you’re tired or fatigued. Everyone is sticking at it and sometimes to be fair, I and other lads as well, we try and keep in mind how nice it feels to celebrate a win after in the dressing room together but also with the fans. That thought can make you go the extra yard that’s needed to get the win over the line.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login