A GROUP of Blackburn Rovers fans who were caught up in post-match disorder have hit out at the police reaction as ‘over-the-top’.

Brothers Terry, 63, and Bernard Kenny, 68, said they arrived outside the Station pub, Cherry Tree, in a taxi with a group of friends just after a number of Burnley and Blackburn fans had clashed at the premises at around 6pm on Sunday.

It was the only major incident and officers praised the behaviour of the majority of fans.

According to police, bottles and glasses were thrown at officers, vehicles and horses.

Some officers suffered minor injuries and a police horse was injured by glass.

Police made around 30 arrests in what they believed was ‘a pre-planned attack’.

Terry said: “We didn’t know what had just gone on at the pub.

"But we were told to ‘go away’ and when we were doing that we were rushed.”

Terry, from Observatory Road in Blackburn, claimed he was struck on the back of the legs.

Also in their group was Blackburn season ticket holder Terry Lamb, who was celebrating his 45th birthday as well as a 3-2 Rovers win with his 16-year-old son Matthew.

Terry claimed he was hit three times, with his son, who was on his way home, left grounded with a bloody nose.

They have made complaints to Lancashire Constabulary.

Superintendent Chris Bithell praised the behaviour of the majority of fans, but said he was ‘sickened’ by a minority ‘intent on causing trouble’.

Supt Bithell said: “Thankfully a large police presence at the pub meant officers were able to quickly bring the situation under control.”

Thirty people were arrested by police on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder.