POLICE arrested 11 people for ‘relatively minor offences’ at yesterday’s East Lancashire derby.

Burnley’s 4,500 travelling fans were taken to Ewood Park on buses from Turf Moor before the game in order to minimise the potential for trouble.

Lancashire Police praised both clubs after the match, saying it passed off without any major incident.

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Silver Commander Superintendent Jon Puttock said: “I would like to thank the supporters for their behaviour and co-operation, especially around travel arrangements.

“We have always stressed that the vast majority of supporters of both teams are law-abiding citizens who are passionate about supporting their football team and who just wanted to attend the match to show that support and enjoy the day.

“The policing operation was put in place to make sure that people could enjoy the occasion and get to and from the ground safely.

“The small number of arrests shows that between ourselves and the two football clubs we have ensured that fans have been able to enjoy the game safely and I would like to thank both clubs for their support and close co-operation throughout the planning for this match.”

There was minor disruption to roads around Ewood Park due to the transport arrangements, while the game had to stop briefly early on after a chicken was released on to the pitch.

Lancashire Police said it was too early to disclose where or why the 11 suspects were arrested, or which club they supported.