A FRENCH Blackburn Rovers fan who cheered as Alan Shearer scored for England against Tunisia is recovering after being stabbed as he celebrated on a beach in Marseille.

Unemployed Frenchman Michael Fletcher, 18, from Paris, has supported Rovers since he was six years old, and has made many journeys to East Lancashire to watch his beloved side.

Now he is in hospital with a two-inch stab wound to his stomach after straying from English friends and into a group of rival fans after England scored their first goal.

Speaking from the Ste Marguerite Hospital, Marseille, in his native language of French, Michael said: "I was watching the England-Tunisia game with some English friends on a big screen near the beach in Marseille. "I lost sight of the fans from Manchester I was with and found myself in a different crowd.

"I don't know whether they were French or Tunisians, but that is when the trouble started."

Michael has lived almost all his life in Paris despite lengthy stays in Lancashire.

His family has friends in Great Harwood and Preston, as well as others in his father's former home town of Accrington.

Michael said: "I have supported Rovers for a long, long time, I think it is about twelve years now.

"I support them simply because of the team, they are excellent. But I also like the town, it is a very nice place.

"The last time I went to Ewood Park was about a year ago when I saw them play Chelsea, and I have also watched them play other teams including Manchester United."

Despite his wounds, plucky Michael managed a dry laugh as he said: "You think it's strange that I support Rovers, but my dad is a Burnley fan!"

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