Politics put aside for East Lancashire derby match (From Blackburn Citizen)

Politics put aside for East Lancashire derby match

1:56pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Tyrone Marshall, Reporter

Jack Straw is hoping for a Rovers win on Sunday

POLITICAL rivals will put their differences to one side as Burnley and Blackburn do battle in Sunday’s big derby fixture at Ewood Park.

Rovers supporter and Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “I shall be going with my daughter Charlotte and her husband, and my son Will and his wife will be using my season ticket at the Blackburn End.

“I know who I want to win – Rovers – but I never predict the result. That is tempting providence.

“I just hope we win but I don’t care how we do it or by how much. A win is a win.”

But Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle would only say “May the best team win”. He said: “I will be back in London so I won’t be going to the game and I just hope the best team wins on the day.

“Hopefully it will be a great game and it will be an enjoyable occasion, and whoever deserves to win gets the victory.”

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: “I shall not be there and I shall be making no predictions about who wins or how many goals. I know that some of my constituents passionately support Rovers and some passionately support The Clarets, so I just hope the best team wins and if it’s a draw, that it is a good game.

“Both sides have had problems of late, and as a Swansea fan for many years I know all about supporting a team that doesn’t win trophies, until this year that is.”

Meanwhile, Hyndburn MP Graham Jones is backing Rovers to be victorious. He said: “I hope the stadium is full and the unique atmosphere of Britain’s oldest derby continues. Burnley are above Rovers and have a real chance of winning, especially given Rovers’ midweek FA Cup replay.”

But Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson will be showing his true Claret colours. He said: “I will be cheering on Burnley, even though I’m a Man City fan.

“I get along to Turf Moor a couple of times a season and I always enjoy watching The Clarets play, they are the local team to me here so I hope they do it.”

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “I have split loyalties, with half of my constituency supporting Burnley and half supporting Blackburn, but if I’m honest I will be supporting Rovers.

“I won’t be able to make the game though and I will be following it on the radio.”