SOCCER hooligans are using an internet site to arrange fights on match days in and around Preston North End's Deepdale ground.

A site set up by notorious soccer hooligan Paul Dodd - who boasts to be the country's number one football fighter - is being used by Preston's fighting factions to arrange 'dates' with rival teams, both home and away.

A number of fights were pre-arranged on the controversial site's message board ahead of last Saturday's clash with Stoke City, including a bust-up in the Bill Shankly Kop.

The fight never took place due to a high police presence in the stand.

Instead, boasts one PNE supporter, Wigan fans were waiting for the Stoke fans when a group went to Blackpool.

Police have confirmed to the Citizen that they are viewing the site on a daily basis in a bid to stamp out violence all together, but added the use of modern technology for criminal activity was of concern to them.

Messages on the site currently talk about the Christmas game against local rivals Blackpool, with fans from both sides - arranging times and places for clashes before and after the game.

One PNE 'fan,' using the code name Preston Para warns fans of the Seasiders: "You will go the same way as Diana and Jill Dando."

Another message, from a fan calling himself PPS 88 warns: "All fans be warned. Come to Preston and endure the toughest fight of your life."

Fights are also being arranged in towns around Preston, including Chorley and Blackburn, with opposing supporters.

Officers at Preston Police are aware of the use of the internet and are using it to cut out violence all together.

PC Philip Billsborough, from the town's football intelligence unit, said: "We have been aware of the use of this site and monitor activity on it on a regular basis.

"Fortunately many of the comments are just talk, but we don't take any chances and it is of concern to us."

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