Police back club on hooligans

Police in Lancashire have backed a football club's campaign against hooligans.

Officers in Burnley joined management of the town's football club to start Operation Fixture on Thursday.

The scheme aims to tackle the problems at the Turf Moor ground with more match bans, more arrests and quick convictions of offenders.

Chief Inspector Richard Morgan, of Burnley police, said racists were being especially targeted.

It brings down the name of Burnley...we won't stand for it

Chief Inspector Richard Morgan

Mr Morgan referred to an incident during Burnley's recent Worthington Cup Third Round win against Tottenham.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I can't imagine a single Burnley fan that watched the disgraceful behaviour at the Tottenham game when one individual gave a Nazi salute.

"It brings down the name of Burnley and Burnley football and the club, as I do, want to see that name redeemed. We simply won't stand for it."

In July the issue of football racism caused controversy at Burnley council.

The council proposed a motion backing the football club's moves to ban racists.

But British National Party councillor Stuart Caddy defied councillors and refused to vote.