BURNLEY Football Club supporters may be banned from attending Nottingham for next year's away fixture after the death of Nathan Shaw.

The 17-year-old Forest fan died in hospital on Sunday after a clash between rival fans near a Burnley town centre pub.

Within hours of his death being announced, sickening messages of hate were posted on an unofficial fans' website.

The website is being looked at by police investigating Nathan's death. Supporters' associations from Burnley and Nottingham have expressed shock and outrage at the death of a young fan.

Now the Football League is waiting to hear if Burnley fans will be barred from travelling to Nottingham Forest's ground in April to avoid further clashes.

Burnley Football club fans have been involved in a number of high profile incidents this season. Trouble has flared at matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City and Preston North End.

If the police authorities in Burnley and Nottingham feel that there is an unacceptable risk of having away fans at the Forest ground, Burnley fans will be barred for the match.

A spokesman for the Football League said: "If the police feel there is a major risk they can ask for various measures to be taken.

"When it comes to the safety of fans, we listen very carefully to what police tell us and take any advice given.

"Clearly they will be looking at the the return fixture and asking whether any action needs to be taken. Naturally the Football League would take any action the police authorities deem appropriate."

Police in Lancashire said they would be concentrating on the murder investigation before making any decision about next year's match in Nottingham.

A spokesman for Nottingham Constabulary said: "It depends on what Nottingham Forest Football Club wants to do.

"It would obviously be a matter for our force and the club. We would liaise with them and come to a decision with them."

Mark Arthur, the chief executive of Nottingham Forest Football Club, said: "We were shocked to learn of Mr Shaw's death.

"We understand police are now treating this death as murder and we are awaiting developments. But we would like to extend our sincere condolences to Mr Shaw's family and friends."

A 19-year-old man was yesterday arrested by police in connection with the attack.