Violence threat leads to Blackburn cancellation

Published on 06/08/2012 03:02

Blackburn Rovers’ pre-season friendly with Dutch club NEC Nijmegen scheduled for yesterday afternoon had to be cancelled due to the threat of fan violence.

The decision was taken by the police and the local authorities in Nijmegen after it was claimed that Rovers supporters had been involved in disturbances in Deventer on Friday and Saturday.

In addition to the friendly, Nijmegen had been set to host a fans’ open day, with the local authorities expecting around 8,000 visitors, including families with young children.

A statement on the npower Championship club’s website said: “Both clubs wish to express their disappointment that such a decision has been necessary.”