A BLACKBURN fan who abused police leading supporters to the Burnley v Rovers clash in February has paid the price with a three-year football match ban.

Drunken Mark Furness, 43, was arrested after telling officers he would do what he wanted - and Burnley magistrates told him he was a risk to the public and the police.

Prosecutor Carl Gaffney had applied for the banning order after telling the Bench the defendant, who had already been convicted of being drunk at a sporting event, had had a warning shot across his bows.

Furness, of Trinity Street, Oswaldtwistle, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on 20 February. He was also fined £200 with £50 costs.

Mr Gaffney told the court the match had prompted local banter, debate and at times hostility.

Police met a train from Blackburn at Burnley Barracks and were taking Rovers supporters to Turf Moor.

The defendant was in the procession of fans but was lagging behind. Officers thought he was doing it deliberately and tried to speed him up. He responded with abuse, swore and said he would do what he wanted.

Mr Gaffney said Furness was arrested because of his language and the atmosphere that could have been created.

In May of last year the defendant was convicted of being drunk at a sporting event by Liverpool magistrates. He also had a caution for being drunk and disorderly.