Blackburn 0 Burnley 2: Jack Cork and Robbie Brady get the goals as Ashley Westwood tackles pitch invader in feisty Cotton Mills derby
Ugly crowd scenes marred clash at Ewood Park but Premier League side advance to third round of Carabao Cup
JAMES TARKOWSKI was shoved in the chest in an astonishing would-be assault during a hugely controversial East Lancs derby.
The amazing incident happened when a Blackburn fan raced on to square up to celebrating Burnley players after Jack Cork’s 27th minute opener.
As Tarkowski tried to shoo the supporter away, he pushed the Clarets centre back and then tried to grab midfielder Ashley Westwood by the throat.
Virtually all the Burnley players surrounded him and he was bundled to the ground, before Cork and full back Phil Bardsley dragged him away.
Incredibly he had raced half the length of the pitch without a steward in sight – and had almost reached the touchline before any Ewood Park staff confronted him.
It left Burnley boss Sean Dyche fuming on the touchlines, as he raged to officials about what could have happened – and the lack of security or protection for his players.
He had a point as well, as this is a local showdown with a history of hatred and violent clashes between two sets of supporters who genuinely loathe each other, with a far bigger police presence than
for the usual League One games here.
Blackburn can now expect a hefty fine at the very least, from the official investigation that is sure to be launched.
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FA bosses are equally certain to look into exactly how Burnley fans managed to smuggle in the flares which were set off following Cork’s opener.
As far as footballing matters were concerned, Cork’s unmarked, point blank header took much of the fight out of Rovers – the team if not the fans.
And deep into first half stoppage time the impressive Robbie Brady – who had provided the cross for the first – danced his way into the box and smashed an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net.