6:20pm Thursday 18th March 2010
By Sam Chadderton
EAST Lancashire’s top officers in charge of next Sunday’s derby clash have emphasised ‘safety first’ ahead of the eagerly-awaited fixture.
Match commanders Chief Inspector Jeff Brown and Inspector Caroline Edwards said meticulous planning and a ‘large-scale’ police operation would allow all fans to enjoy the day.
Details similar to the first fixture in October have been announced, with the 2,400 Blackburn fans travelling direct to Turf Moor in a convoy of up to 48 coaches.
There is no independent travel allowed.
Chief Insp Brown said: “It clearly worked very, very well for the first fixture. We’ve had meetings with both clubs and supporters groups and explained and agreed the rationale.
“What underpins everything is we have to ensure people get to the fixture safely, watch it in safety and leave safely.
“This is not like going to war as an Army general. It’s not a case of how many casualties we will accept. It doesn’t work like that with football.
“It’s about what is the safest option - and how we achieve it.”
Chief Insp Brown csaid there would be a police presence in every town across East Lancashire, such as Accrington, Whalley, Colne and Nelson.
Mounted police and dogs are being brought in and ‘high-risk’ fans who reportedly clashed at the Station Hotel pub in Blackburn back in October will be closely monitored.
Police believe the game will be memorable for the right reasons.
Chief Insp Brown said: “The vast majority of fans are perfectly well behaved and law-abiding citizens. A small minority cause problems and will seek out any opportunity to cause trouble.
“Where it warrants it, we will deal robustly and firmly with these people. It’s a football match. The public is entitled to come and go safely.”
Insp Edwards said she was ‘confident’ most fans would ‘fully understand the policing arrangements’.
She said: “If we didn’t do it and had 20 assaults, we’d be criticised.”
The Rovers fans will leave around 9am, with turnstiles opening at 9.30am for away fans. The clocks go forward that day, which will make the midday kick-off feel even earlier for fans.
Their 2,400 allocation will be separated by heavily policed rows of 10 seats from the 1,450 Burnley fans also in the Cricket Field Stand.
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