SOCCER bosses are teaming up with police to tackle football-related disorder in East Lancashire by encouraging fans to report hooliganism, abuse and violence.

Burnley fans are being urged to use Lancashire Crimestoppers freephone number 0800 555 111 with information about anyone they know to be involved in soccer disorder.

The project is set to be aimed at Blackburn Rovers supporters next.

Helping launch the campaign at Burnley's Turf Moor ground today, Crimestoppers administrator Phil Billsborough said: "Most of us have at some stage been affected by football disorder or have witnessed it taking place.

"Foremost in our minds will be the distress caused to innocent bystanders. "It does not discriminate between the elderly, children or shoppers, in fact ordinary people going about their daily business.

"It seldom takes place inside the stadium but at times can be widespread immediately outside and towards town centres.

"Burnley FC are to be congratulated for their support for this campaign."

He added that callers were not asked for their names and if a call led to an arrest and charge, there might be a reward.

Burnley FC public relations manager Daniel Reuben said the campaign underlined the club's commitment to eradicating soccer-linked disorder.

"As a club with close community links, we want to make our club as safe as possible for everyone who comes to support us in our push towards the Premiership. I would urge any loyal Clarets' fan who has information to ring Crimestoppers."

Mr Billsborough said the campaign had kicked off in Burnley but it was intended that similar initiatives would also be launched at Blackburn, Preston and Blackpool.

A spokesman fo Blackburn Rovers said they would welcome a similar campaign.

"We share the aim of putting an end to soccer-realted disorder," he added.