REGARDING the animosity between Burnley and Blackburn supporters, I've been a loyal Burnley supporter for over 30 years and, during that time, both sets of fans gave and received gentle banter.

But, over the last few years, this seems to have turned vicious.

It was quite apparent to the true Burnley supporters that the Rovers fans came to Turf Moor for the derby match to watch the game and continue with the harmless jibes and banter, but, oh no, not a mindless minority of so-called Burnley fans.

Rival Blackburn supporters will only add fuel to the fire for the return fixture, making it more difficult for supporters like myself and my son to obtain tickets and travel to the match in safety.

The media must stand up and be counted as mindless thugs thrive on the publicity that is given them.

Publishing comments like those of J Taylor slagging off Stephen Cummings as wearing green-tinted glasses and the so-called lack of Burnley support over the years (Sports Letter, January 3) is not called for.

Mr Taylor wants to get the facts right -- it's rose-tinted glasses or, in this case, claret and blue-tinted.

So come on both sets of supporters and the media (who have the power to help stop the feud) grow up and act like men not schoolboys.

D A CUNLIFFE, Padiham.