POLICING visiting supporters at Blackburn Rovers matches will be ‘a lot harder’ as they will no longer be able to congregate at a pub close to the ground, police said.

For years, The Fernhurst, in Bolton Road, has been the main gathering point for visiting supporters.

Its car park was turned into a large outdoor drinking area, with marquees, food sellers and beer tents.

But hordes of away fans will no longer be welcome to gather there after it was sold by Blackburn brewery Thwaites to Greene King.

Chief Inspector Julian Platt, of Lancashire Constabulary, who is a regular match commander at Ewood Park, said: “From our point of view it will make policing a lot harder. At The Fernhurst, the fans were kept together in a central location, now they will be scattered all over.”

Since buying the pub, the firm has transformed it into one of its Hungry Horse pubs, and wants to introduce a family-friendly feel.

A Greene King spokesman said: “The new-look Fernhurst is a bright, modern and comfortable community pub offering great value food for local families.

“Significant funds have been invested, boosting the local economy and creating around 30 full and part-time jobs as a result.

“The new managers, Tony and Pauline Mangan, would like to extend a friendly Hungry Horse welcome to all our customers and look forward to serving many more at the Fernhurst in the near future.”