FANS of Burnley Football Club are being urged not to buy the counterfeit team shirts that are circulating the town.

It is thought that the white away shirts were part of a consignment of fake football kits confiscated by Customs and Excise officials at London's Stansted Airport and were being touted at Tuesday's game against Crewe at Turf Moor.

Selling for £20, the shirts cost 50 per cent less than the originals available from the club shop and are thought to be of a much inferior quality.

Speaking before leaving for Saturday's game against West Bromwich Albion, Burnley Football Club Director, Clive Holt warned against anyone buying any counterfeit goods.

He said: "If we find anyone selling them we will take positive action against them.

"It is a breach of copyright and it is taking money and revenue away from the football club. That revenue is needed by the club to maintain its push for the promised land of the Premier League."

Workers at the club shop admitted that counterfeit goods are a problem and that Burnley may be victims of their own success.

Their current league standing at the top of the first division is the club's highest for almost thirty years and that may have caught the eye of gangs operating in fake goods.

Last year, counterfeit copies of the club's video of the season circulated the town.

Fans are asked to look out for the shirts in markets, car boot sales, from street vendors and in pubs and to report any sightings to the club shop on: 01282 700016 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.