A TEENAGER has appeared in court accused of throwing a flare onto the pitch during a football match at Blackburn Rovers Ewood Park stadium.

Magistrates heard how Oliver Beck, 19, of Pole Lane, Darwen, allegedly committed the offence during Blackburn Rovers derby fixture against Preston North End on March 18.

Beck pleaded not guilty to one allegation of being in possession of a flare during the period of a designated sporting event when he was in an area of a designated sports ground from which the event might be directly viewed.

He also pleaded not guilty to throwing a flare at or towards an area in which spectators or other persons were or may have been present without lawful authority or lawful excuse.

He was remanded on unconditional bail and could face a trial later this year.

The case was adjourned until June 30 for a case management hearing which will be held at Blackburn Magistrates Court.

Magistrates excused Beck from attending that hearing.

Blackburn Rovers drew the Championship fixture 2-2 thanks to a last minute equaliser from Preston North Ends Republic of Ireland international forward Aiden McGeady.