Blackburn friendly cancelled due to violence

A pre-season friendly between Blackburn Rovers and Dutch side NEC Nijmegen has been cancelled due to the threat of violence from both sets of fans.

The police and local authorities took the decision after Blackburn fans allegedly rioted in Deventer on Friday before clashing with Nijmegen supporters the next day.

"The deputy mayor of Nijmegen has decided to cancel the exhibition game between NEC and Blackburn Rovers. That match was due to be played today at 2.30pm during the annual open day of NEC," read a statement on the local police's website.

"Supporters of the English club Blackburn Rovers were involved in rioting in Deventer on Friday and on Saturday there was a confrontation with supporters of NEC Nijmegen in the city.

"On the basis of serious signals to the police that a confrontation would take place again today, deputy mayor Henk Beerten in consultation with police, judiciary and mayor Hubert Bruls decided to cancel the match this afternoon.

Blackburn's next and final pre-season match comes in a week's time as they face Cork City.