A DOZEN Sheffield Wednesday supporters were arrested during the Worthington Cup semi-final - while police have praised Blackburn Rovers fans for their impeccable behaviour.

The Wednesday supporters were arrested for a variety of drunkenness and public order offences.

Police in riot gear were moved into the Darwen End of Ewood Park midway through the second half. Some Wednesday fans claimed that the police force's tactics were heavy-handed and made the atmosphere more nasty.

But Chief Inspector Neil Smith said the action was taken to maintain the safety of other members of the public.

He said: "The majority of Sheffield Wednesday fans were very well-behaved for the duration of the match.

"However, a small minority of, and I use this term loosely, 'supporters' caused problems.

"Twelve supporters were arrested for drunkenness and public disorder offences. We are reviewing CCTV footage and taking a decision of whether to investigate any incidents, in particular any violent disorder.

"The Rovers fans were impeccably behaved all night."

Mark Charlton, a Sheffield supporter from Lincoln who sat in the lower tier of the Darwen End, said: "At a game that the opposing side were losing by a considerable margin, 25 -35 riot police in full gear with batons lined up in front of the away fans.

"It changed the atmosphere and tone of the fan base entirely. I felt shocked and frightened.

"Within minutes there was brawling among fans and I was disgusted at the way people were getting clattered with batons.

"Blackburn fans were great outside the ground. Good luck to them in Cardiff."