BLACKBURN Rovers has backed a campaign against domestic abuse and violence against women.

The club has pledged its support for the White Ribbon campaign.

Its players will wear T-Shirts, white ribbons and holding red cards to show their support ahead of today’s fixture when they take on Sheffield Wednesday.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is working alongside Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner who have all signed up to the White Ribbon campaign.

The pledge is a public commitment to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

It's part of a wider plan to make Lancashire into the first White Ribbon County.

Domestic abuse remains a hidden crime and prevention involves challenging social attitudes towards the crime.

Councillor Pat McFall, chairman of the Domestic Abuse Strategic Board and responsible for the Domestic Abuse Service in Blackburn with Darwen, said: “Domestic abuse remains a hidden crime and prevention involves challenging social attitudes towards domestic abuse.

“I am proud to support the White Ribbon Campaign and want to thank Blackburn Rovers for supporting this important campaign.

“This campaign aims to increase the public’s knowledge and understanding of domestic violence. It will help to guide people who are experiencing domestic abuse to safe and appropriate support.

“And it’s also important to point out that while more often violence is against women, we must not forget men are victims too and we should all do what we can to give domestic violence the red card.”

A short video will be shown at half-time to highlight different types of domestic abuse.

Manager Gary Bowyer said: "As managers and footballers we are in a position of examples for young men. Silence is not an option. We need to blow the whistle on violence against women, and help put a stop to it. Our football club is proud to show its support to this campaign."

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Rovers support for the campaign will hopefully help raise awareness of the issue and together help us make a real stand against domestic violence."