POLICE have defended their actions during Blackburn Rovers' Worthington Cup semi-final victory and denied they had used excessive force.

Sheffield Wednesday fans have lodged complaints with the police and claim they were beaten as officers in full riot gear marched on to the ground towards the end of the second-leg match, at Ewood Park, on Tuesday.

Club bosses at Sheffield Wednesday have launched an investigation into the incident.

But Chief Insp Neil Smith, of Blackburn Police, who was at the match and has watched CCTV footage of the crowd, today defended his officers.

And he said the behaviour of a section of Sheffield Wednesday supporters had been 'appalling.' He said some fans had surged forward trying to invade the pitch, while others had thrown coins and broken plastic seating to use as missiles.

Mr Smith said: "It was the worst example of disorder we have had at Ewood Park this season. None of us like to see officers in protective clothing at football matches, but the reason we have to resort to those tactics is because of the behaviour of some supporters.

"The Sheffield Wednesday game was the first time we have had to use officers in protective clothing at the ground all season and it was done for personal protection.

"Of the CCTV footage I have seen, those tactics were wholly justified."

He denied some fans' claims that officers on police horses had hit supporters with batons as they made their way back to the coaches and added: "I did not see any disorder outside the ground. "

It is understood that intelligence collated before the match had led police to take precautionary measures and draft in riot officers. He said: "There was a very small minority of about 30 people causing trouble among 5,200 Sheffield supporters."

One fan at the game, which Rovers won 4-2 to secure a place in next month's final, contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to complain about the treatment.

Mark Charlton, who has followed his team for 10 years, watching them home and away, said: "It was a fantastic atmosphere and there were no signs of trouble until the riot police lined up and sent out the wrong message.

"There is a small element at Sheffield Wednesday that goes looking for trouble, but no more at, say, Lincoln or Blackburn Rovers."

A statement issued by Sheffield Wednesday read: "As part of it's inquiries, the club has asked Blackburn Rovers for its comments on the matter. Sheffield Wednesday is also keen to receive the views of our supporters who were at Ewood Park and had their enjoyment of the match affected.

"These investigations remain at an early stage, and the club will not be making any further comment on the incident until this process is complete.

"However, the chairman, directors and officials of Sheffield Wednesday would like to place on record their thanks to the vast majority of the 5,000 Wednesdayites at Ewood Park, who behaved impeccably and supported the team magnificently throughout the match."