Council sends letter of apology

The note from the authority follows the death of teenage Nottingham Forest fan Nathan Shaw in Burnley two weeks ago.

The 17-year-old supporter had travelled to watch his team play the Clarets at Turf Moor on Saturday, December 7, but died in hospital the following day after an incident outside Yates's Wine Lodge in St James Street.

Members of Burnley Council's executive heard the apology had been sent to the Mayor of Nottingham from Burnley's civic leader. During a meeting last night, Mayor of Burnley, Coun Gordon Birtwistle, said: "I sent a letter to the mayor of Nottingham to express the council's and the town's regret and sympathies after the death of a Nottingham Forest Football Club supporter who was killed in Burnley."

Since Nathan's death flowers, cards and football scarves have been tied around a lamppost in St James Street.

The tributes include messages of sympathy from family, friends and supporters of both football clubs.

Coun Birtwistle added: "I was very distressed about what happened to the young man who was visiting our town to watch a football match.

"I thought that his death was a very unusual thing to happen and I considered it pertinent that I write to the Mayor of Nottingham to express our condolences for the tragic death of Nathan Shaw.

"I thought it was the right thing to do because the majority of people I have spoken to feel the same way and are very sad and upset about what happened to this young man."

The move was given unanimous support in the council chamber.

A teenager charged with murder after the death Nathan Shaw made a brief appearance at Preston Crown Court yesterday.

Andrew McNee, 18, of Osborne Way, Haslingden, is accused of killing Nathan before the match at Burnley.

Nathan is believed to have suffered a head injury when trouble broke out close to Yates's Wine Lodge.

There was no application for bail and McNee was remanded in custody until March 12 when he will enter a plea.