FOOTBALL fans have appeared before Blackburn magistrates after being arrested for a number of unrelated on the day of the match between Rovers and Manchester United.

In total, more than 60 fans were arrested as more than 300 police officers mounted a massive containment operation before, during and after the 1-1 draw.

The court, which had dealt with another group of fans the previous day, heard that the police action resulted from widespread violence during the corresponding fixture last season.

Christopher Bell, 40, of Hyde, Cheshire, was remanded on bail charged with assaulting a police officer and being drunk and disorderly in Jubilee Street.

Christopher Mark Dearden, 23, of Runcorn, admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over in £200 to keep the peace for 12 months. A charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Fernhurst pub was withdrawn.

Mark Anthony Fitzgerald, 19, of Stretford, was bound over in £100 to keep the peace for six months after admitting a breach of the peace. A charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Fernhurst public house was withdrawn.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Ashley Hayes, 21, of Manchester, when he failed to appear to answer a charge of being drunk and disorderly inside Ewood Park.

Postman Michael Joseph O'Shaughnessy, 32, of Crumpsall, Manchester, was fined £150 with £75 costs after pleading guilty to being drunk and disorderly on Blackburn railway station.

O'Shaughnessy became aggressive when he was challenged by police and called an officer a "jumped up little Hitler." He eventually had to be sprayed before he could be restrained.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Robert Robbins, 31, of Bearley, Stratford-Upon-Avon, when he failed to appear to answer a charge of being drunk and disorderly in the Golden Cup pub.

Darren Hopper, 19, of Droylsden, was fined £100 with £75 costs after pleading guilty to encroaching on the playing area.

The magistrates rejected an application for a football banning order after hearing Hopper had got carried away with the heat of the moment when United scored a late equaliser and found himself on the pitch.

* Alan Michael Currell, 45, of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk while entering Ewood Park.

Steven George Delfinis, 46, of Stretford, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to using threatening behaviour.

John Hampson, 34, of Manchester, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk and disorderly inside Ewood Park and assaulting a police officer.

Dale Rainford, 25, of Whalley Road, Sabden, was remanded on bail after pleading not guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Blackburn Rovers' Blues Bar.