Preston North End supporters were attacked by seven Blackburn fans in brawl which left man unconscious

Seven men have appeared in court following a street brawl in which a man was knocked unconscious.

The disorder broke out in Blackburn city centre after a football match between Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers on March 9, 2019, .

Preston Crown Court heard 18,970 supporters and 7,000 away fans had attended the match at Ewood Park, which concluded at around 2pm.

Prosecuting, Robert Wyn Jones said after the match, victim Oliver Steel and his friends had been drinking in The Blackburn Times pub, while the defendants had been drinking in The Squire.

Both groups left the pubs at around 4.20pm, and as they passed each other, Mr Steele made a comment to them.

Mr Wyn-Jones said: "These seven defendants then turned and approached him.

"Mr Steele was seen to pick up a road cone before Routledge punched him.

"Disorder then breaks out between the two groups."

Oliver Steele was punched from behind to the ground and knocked unconscious by defendant Paul Burgess, 52, of Highfield Road, Carnforth, near Lancaster.

His co-defendants were all involved in throwing punches at other men in the area.

All seven admitted a public order offence.

Burgess received an 18 month community order with 200 hours unpaid work.

William Routledge, 55, of Peacock Hill Close, Grimsargh, got an 18 month community order with 200 hours unpaid work and a 60 day curfew.

Philip Smith, 56, Fir Trees Avenue, Lostock Hall, received an 18 month community order with 200 hours unpaid work and a 60 day curfew.

His son Lee Smith, 32, of Moss Lane, Lostock Hall, received an 18 month community order with 175 hours unpaid work and a 60 day curfew.

Daniel Graham, 32, of Moss Lane, Lostock Hall, received an 18 month community order with 150 hours unpaid work and a 60 day curfew.

All must pay £400 costs.

Ian Wright, 40, of Rowan Avenue, Preston, got an 18 month community order with 250 hours unpaid work, a 60 day curfew and £200 costs.

Ryan Brown, 38, of Hall Street, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, who is now in jail for another offence, got a six week jail term.

The sentencing had to take place in two parts to adhere to social distancing rules.

Judge Philip Parry said the men had caused disgrace and reputational damage to their club, themselves and their families, and that onlookers must have been "frightened, disgusted or probably both."

He added: "In summary, street violence broke out between a large group of Blackburn Rovers fans - your group - and PNE fans, all of this following a designated championship match.

"The violence erupted onto a busy main street in full sight of pedestrians and others in vehicles.

"When I watched the footage this afternoon I saw a child being ushered away by his father, having witnessed what was taking place not more than 60 metres away."

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