Three men are set to appear at court following alleged incidents during the recent fixture between Burnley and Manchester City at Turf Moor.

The opening game of the 2023/24 Premier League season, which saw promoted Clarets take on the treble-winners, was meant to be a joyous occasion.

However the alleged conduct of some fans marred the game, which Burnley lost 3-0.

During the game it is alleged one fan ran onto the pitch, an item was thrown onto the pitch which hit a Manchester City player, and a steward was assaulted.

Following enquiries carried out by Lancashire Police and Burnley Football Club, the following people have either been charged or summonsed to appear at court.

  • Elliott Littlefair, 18, of Lyndhurst Road, Burnley, has been charged with entering a playing area. He is due to appear at Burnley Magistrates' Court on November 7.
  • Joshua Newbon, 20, of Schofield Street, Heywood, has been summonsed to appear before magistrates at a later date charged with common assault.
  • Christopher Brooks, 30, of Sandy Lane, Accrington, has been summonsed to appear before magistrates at a later date charged with Common Assault and throwing missile onto playing area.

Supt Andrea Barrow, of Lancashire Police, said: “We know that the overwhelming majority of people go to the football to enjoy themselves and support their team, and genuine fans will have been appalled by recent [alleged] events.

“We continue to work with Burnley Football Club to ensure all fans have an enjoyable and safe day at the football.

"Anyone who engages in disorderly or violent behaviour should expect to face criminal charges and a football banning order.”

The Clarets' new Premier League campaign was again marred by off-field criminality last week when the Aston Villa team bus was attacked as it left the town, with a brick thrown at the bus as it drove on the M65, after Villa had defeated the home side 3-1.

Burnley are back in action tomorrow, when they travel to London to face Tottenham Hotspur.