A POLICE chief was in Turkey today assessing security plans for Blackburn Rovers fans at the club's UEFA Cup First Round clash later this month.

Rovers' tie with Genclerbirligi SK, in Ankara, on September 24 comes just over a fortnight before England's crucial and potentially explosive Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul.

Blackburn Rovers fans have a record of good behaviour -- only 25 people were arrested last season at Ewood Park.

But animosity between hooligans from the two countries means Rovers officials and police must give consideration to yobs hijacking the game.

Yesterday, Chief Superintendent David Mallaby, of the Eastern Division, covering Blackburn, flew to Ankara in a bid to analyse the potential dangers for fans if, as expected, Rovers supporters are allowed tickets.

A Blackburn Rovers spokesman revealed that a club delegation would also visit the Turkish capital this week, but said no decision on whether tickets have been accepted would be announced until next week.

However, Rovers are not expected to refuse their allocation and a tour company is already advertising packages for the game, even though ticket details have not been released. Ch Supt Mallaby, who organises the policing for all Rovers' games, said he could not yet comment on whether tickets would be accepted and added: "It is standard UEFA practice that the police commander for football should go abroad to look at security arrangements and ticketing arrangements to see what we can expect for fans on the return visit.

"When the team plays abroad, we will go again with some officers to assist with the policing of Blackburn Rovers fans during the game."

He added that these officers would be those with knowledge of known hooligans, to improve chances of spotting them.

The Football Association has refused England tickets for the Turkey/England game, taking place on October 11, following the crowd trouble when the two countries played at Sunderland's Stadium of Light earlier this year.

England won 2-0, but it was marred by several pitch invasions as well as racist chanting, while violence flared outside the game.

A total of 106 people were arrested, with almost half from Yorkshire, thought to be as a result of the murder of two Leeds fans in Istanbul three years ago.

These incidents prompted the FA, fearing that England could be banned from Euro 2004, to not only refuse tickets for Turkey and this weekend's clash in Macedonia, but to advise fans not to travel at all.