LANCASHIRE police have apologised after football fans suffered delays before and after Rovers' FA Cup quarter-final replay defeat to Liverpool at Ewood Park.

Motorists were stuck in traffic for almost two hours after the game, while supporters also experienced congestion near junction five of the M65 prior to the 7.45pm kick-off.

Chaos ensued near the Ewood gyratory, in Bolton Road, as roadworks connected to the £40 million Pennine Reach scheme hindered the 28,415 fans heading home from the stadium at around 9.45pm on Wednesday.

Tailbacks along the A666, Livesey Branch Road, Albion Road and the surrounding streets meant some drivers were still in queues near the ground at 11.30pm.

During the game, a spokesman for Lancashire police said: "We, along with Blackburn Rovers, apologise to any motorists and fans who have been stuck in traffic tonight and would like to reassure them that we will be doing everything we can to get fans moving as quickly and safely as possible after the match.

"There are a number of reasons for the heavy traffic including the late kick-off, meaning people have travelled later, a high capacity crowd at more than 28,000 people, and a small number of coaches for away fans to travel on, meaning spectators coming in their own cars to the game."

The attendance - which was slightly under capacity due to enforced segregation - marked Rovers' first home sell-out since 29,867 turned up to see Manchester United secure the Premier League title in May 2011.

Stuart Scott, network manager at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "This was the highest-attended game for five years, with an estimated 28,500 fans attending, so for games of that volume there will often be quite severe delays.

"The signage and road system has not changed and there are specific match day conditions put in place. The same would apply for any other major stadia event which also attract similar complaints."

Fans, including some of the 7,263 travelling Liverpool followers, took to social media to complain about delays after the final whistle.

Before the game, former Blackburn and Liverpool midfielder, David Thompson, tweeted: "Supposed to be doing commentary with BBC, only sat in the traffic trying to get into Ewood Park - this is not funny!"

Afterwards, Liverpool fan Tom McKail said: "My god traffic is horrific at Ewood!" while Rovers supporter Ricky Grayston wrote: "This traffic leaving Ewood hasn't even moved yet, this will be one long journey home."

An injury-hit Rovers lost the game 1-0 after Philippe Coutinho's 70th minute goal.