ELEVEN people were arrested when violence broke out before, during and after Burnley's big game against promotion rivals Millwall on Saturday.

Five Burnley fans and six Millwall fans were arrested for public order offences when police were attacked and severe damage caused to parts of the football ground.

They will appear before Burnley magistrates later this week.

A crowd of 14,980, of which 1,571 were away fans, arrived at Turf Moor to see Burnley win 4-3 -- but the trouble began before the match even kicked off.

Despite the police being prepared for the arrival of Millwall fans, some officers were attacked in Yorkshire Street before the match.

Police said thunder flashes, smoke canisters and other missiles were thrown at police and horses.

During the game, Millwall fans caused damage to a large number of seats in the Cricket Field stand and made every effort to invade the pitch. They were held back by police who were sent into the stands wearing personal protective equipment after broken seats and coins were thrown at unprotected officers. After the game, a large number of Millwall fans were escorted to Burnley Central railway station, despite a number of Burnley fans throwing an assortment of missiles at both them and the police.

Some town centre pubs closed early to avoid trouble from fans who had been drinking throughout the day. Superintendent Gary Stephenson said: "The conduct of the Millwall fans and the small element of Burnley supporters was appalling and totally unacceptable."

The Burnley v Millwall fixture has a history of violence and the police were satisfied their operation to prevent trouble was successful.

Rival fans were involved in fighting at Euston Station in October last year when Burnley fans travelled to Millwall's ground.