HOME Secretary David Blunkett has defended the action of Lancashire Police during the Worthington Cup semi-final clash between Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.

Sheffield Wednesday fans lodged complaints with the police and accused them of using excessive force.

They claimed they were beaten as officers in full riot gear marched on to the ground towards the end of the Worthington Cup second-leg match, which Rovers won 4-2.

Sheffield MP Mr Blunkett called for an independent review and a report was submitted by police bosses in Lancashire.

The independent review, carried out by the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary on behalf of the Home Secretary, found there was a minority of unruly fans and that the police response was "appropriate".

It called the scenes at Ewood Park that night "disappointing."

Mr Blunkett said: "The report makes clear that a small number of unruly fans, who associate themselves with the two clubs, behaved badly and effectively spoilt the occasion for many genuine fans.

"It is important to keep this matter in perspective. Misbehaviour is grounds is rare, notwithstanding the recent spate of missile throwing. That is why events in Blackburn were so disappointing.

"No one committed to our national game will tolerate a return to the bad old days when mass hooliganism in grounds was commonplace."

The findings of the report will not be published to avoid prejudicing the outcome of any criminal or disciplinary complaints investigation.

A summary of the report will be passed to Lancashire and South Yorkshire Police Forces, Football League and the two clubs involved.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said today: "It would be inappropriate for the Lancashire Constabulary to comment further at this stage as their are other proceedings pending."

One Sheffield Wednesday fan, who was at the game, contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph the day after to complain about the treatment.

Mark Charlton, who has followed his team for 10 years, watching them home and away said he thought the treatment by police "was way over the top".

Club bosses at Sheffield Wednesday launched their own investigation into the incident.

A spokesman for Blackburn Rovers said the club did not want to comment on what was a police matter. Nobody from Sheffield Wednesday was available for comment.