SOCCER chiefs have apologised to angry fans for an international kick-off mix-up in Blackburn -- but said it wasn't their fault.

Hundreds of supporters turned up late for the UEFA European Under-21 clash between England and Greece at Ewood Park.

Tickets for the sell-out game on Friday night carried a start time of 7.45pm. But two weeks ago UEFA, the European football governing body, switched the kick-off to 7pm to coincide with Germany's crucial game with Finland in the same competition.

As reported in the Evening Telegraph on Saturday, police telephone lines were jammed and there was traffic chaos as latecomers rushed to get to the ground.

Andrin Cooper, media officer with the Football Association which was responsible for domestic arrangements for the big Blackburn match, said: "We're very sorry for the fans, but it was totally out of our hands.

"UEFA decided to switch the kick-off so that it was simultaneous with the Germany game. Traditionally, these matches start at 7.45pm and we had no reason to think it would change."

He said the FA had taken every step possible to let fans know of the time change, with Press releases and announcements of local radio.

"We regret that some people obviously hadn't heard," he added.

But he praised the fans and the people of Blackburn for staging " a great night."