SOCCER-loving East Lancashire MPs have enthusiastically backed a call for tight restrictions on replica strips.

And they branded Manchester United as the worst culprits for profiteering.

The Government's Football Task Force has said new rules should stop clubs repeatedly changing their kits to force parents to buy new ones for their children.

It also says they should have a "sell-by" date on them so mums and dads know when a new strip is due and they don't end up buying one just weeks before the changeover.

The watchdog, chaired by former Tory Minister and Chelsea fan David Mellor, also wants higher-priced and corporate ticket holders to subsidise cheaper tickets for hard-up and young fans and for restrictions on the flotation of clubs, and their sale or the sale of large blocks of shares.

Ribble Valley's MP Nigel Evans, a regular at Preston North End, expressed reservations about the moves on cheaper tickets and share sales but said: "I am very excited about the restrictions on ticket sales as this affects children.

"The clubs seem to change their strips repeatedly for no reason - the main culprit is Manchester United."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, a lifelong Blackburn Rovers fan, said: "These are really excellent ideas. I am particularly in favour of the proposals on soccer strips.

"Parents have been being ripped off for too long - the worst culprit is Manchester United. Blackburn Rovers have been much more responsible."

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice, a former director of Fulham who now supports Burnley, said: "These are splendid ideas - particularly the one on replica strips. It's an excellent proposal."

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