Hero and Villain: Blackburn Rovers

Original Date: May 21, 2020 on The Imperfect Game Podcast

The fiercest rivalries in sports all include fans waiting outside locker rooms with carving knives, right? How about fans refusing to have their child born in a hospital in the rival city? Or former players being protected in jail by their ravenous fans? Welcome to the East Lancashire Derby between Blackburn and Burnley. Two cities that despise each other and have no problem showing it.

On the hero side of things, Alan Shearer is the greatest striker to play in England's Premier League. His goal scoring record is nearly untouchable, and his stint with Blackburn in the early and mid-90s will never be forgotten. He delivered the first top flight trophy to the club in 81 years.

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Links:

East Lancashire derby: Welcome to hell - Independent.co.uk

More Than A Game: Blackburn vs. Burnley - FourFourTwo

Baying for Claret: Blackburn and Burnley's Bitter Local Rivalry - Vice.com

The sporting read: Blackburn-Burnley rivalry — enmity that runs deeper than simple geography - TheNational.ae

Videos:

Alan Shearer talks about chicken & beans

Le Pod | Matt Le Tissier discusses a young Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer Hat-Trick - Southampton vs Arsenal (1988)

Alan Shearer interviewed after Blackburn were crowned Premier League champions