SIX Blackburn Rovers fans have been given football banning orders after fighting with each other at a European game in Germany.

Another four Rovers supporters also face banning applications after Lancashire police officers were able to recognise the 10 from surveillance footage provided by their German counterparts.

Christopher Aspinall, 23, of Commercial Street, Stephen Earnshaw, 21, of Petre Crescent, and Douglas Raith, 42, of Talbot Street, all Rishton, were given two-year banning orders.

Oliver Hickmott, 21, of New Wellington Close, Blackburn, Anthony McAllion, 49, of Worsthorn Avenue, Blackburn, and Adam Metcalf, 23, of Napier Street, Nelson, were each given three-year banning orders after the court was told they had previously had a two-year football ban imposed on them.

Applications for banning orders against Adrian Charnley, of St Marks Road, Scott Counsell, of Wilson Street, both Blackburn, Lee Hughes, of Westwell Road, Chorley, and Jamie Regan, of Fernhurst Street, Blackburn, were adjourned until November 28.

Sue McLean, prosecuting on behalf of Lancashire Constabulary, said the six defendants accepted the making of the orders.

She said they had all been involved in a disturbance on the Blackburn Rovers side of the pitch during the club's three-two defeat in the UEFA Cup first knockout round, first leg against Bayer Leverkusen on Valentine's Day last year.

Some of those involved were taken away by the German police.

Miss McLean said 12 people were involved in the fighting and Lancashire police "spotters" had been able to identify 10 of them from the footage provided by their German counterparts.

She said: "I hazard to suggest the German police just wanted these hooligans out of their country as soon as possible.

"It seems a common theme is drink".

Imposing the orders District Judge Peter Ward said there should be zero tolerance of football related incidents.

He said: "The public should not have to put up with people behaving in this way.

"The majority of people who go to football matches go to enjoy the match and it is not fair that they should be put at risk because of the mindless, drink fuelled behaviour of a small minority.

"There is also the enormous cost of policing these events which would be greatly reduced if everybody behaved themselves.

"What you found to fall out about amongst yourselves I have no idea."