POLICE are already gearing up for the next East Lancashire derby between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley -- on April Fools' Day.

Trouble flared last weekend after the first match for 17 years between the bitter rivals, and officers are keen to avoid an action replay of the scenes that shamed Burnley.

The two teams will meet for this season's return leg at Ewood Park.

Police who arrested 20 fans after the game at Turf Moor described the behaviour of thugs in Burnley town centre on Sunday as "deplorable."

Sixteen people were charged with public order offences and are appearing at magistrates' court this week.

Thugs threw bottles, coins and traffic cones at police and caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to shops after police stopped them attacking coaches used by Blackburn fans.

Inspector Stuart Caley, of Blackburn Police, said they would not be making any statement about plans for policing the Blackburn game until after Christmas and the New Year.

He added that police chiefs would be holding debriefing talks about the Burnley match in the near future.

A spokesman for the force said: "Planning is under way for all the remaining home fixtures for the rest of the season."

Genuine fans praised the police operation for preventing the spread of violence in Burnley town centre after the game.

Rovers supporters were held inside Turf Moor for 30 minutes until police escorted them back to Blackburn in coaches.