BLACKBURN Rovers fans making the trip to Poland tomorrow will come face to face with some of Europe's most notorious supporters.

Krakow, a former capital of Poland, is one of its cultural hubs, but Wisla Krakow's hooligan element has also attracted negative attention during previous Euro campaigns.

In November 1998, they were banned from Europe for 12 months after one of their fans allegedly threw a metal object, believed to be a knife, at Parma's Dino Baggio, an ex-Rovers star.

The player needed stitches in a head injury.

Despite this, Chief Super-intendent David Mallaby, one of the three Lancashire officers travelling with the 350 Rovers supporters making the trip for the opening UEFA Cup group game does not expect any trouble.

The divisional comman-der for Eastern Division, said: "We have been speaking to the Polish police and the intelligence we have suggests there will be no problems with opposing fans.

"I have been away to European games in Bulgaria, Turkey and Austria and Blackburn fans represented themselves very well. Their behaviour was very good and I'm sure this will be the case again."

He added that more fans were expected to make the trip to Feyenoord on November 25 for the penultimate group game.

And the club backed the police's view and believe the positive reputation of Rovers fans will continue on this latest excursion.

A Rovers spokesman said: "We have put the usual detailed planning in for this fixture in common with all our trips in to Europe and we are not anticipating any problems."

However, the internet message boards of brfc.com included postings from fans who had experienced football in Krakow before.

One read: "I've been to Krakow before with England. Nightmare place."

While another said: "Been around the ground before and during a match at Wisla.

"Surprised by the huge presence of police, plus atmosphere was quite intimidating.

"It's true that Wisla fans do not have a nice reputation and that violence in Polish football is actually a sad reality."

Rovers' official website includes advice from the British Embassy in Poland about fan conduct while over there or during or after the game.

Fans are warned not to enter the stadium with alcohol, bottles, sticks or explosives, cover their face or invade the pitch, or drink alcohol in the place.