Blackburn Rovers Football Club is shocked and saddened to learn of the death of supporter John Steven Taylor, a season ticket holder from Darwen.

John, 30, died in hospital in Staffordshire in the early hours of Sunday morning after being injured in an incident in the South Stand occupied by visiting supporters at Rovers' away fixture at Stoke City yesterday.

A statement issued by Staffordshire Police this afternoon reads: "The man has been identified as John Steven Taylor, 30, of Avallon Way, Darwen.

"A Home Office Post Mortem carried out earlier today showed the cause of death was due to a head injury.

"A 25-year-old man from the Preston area who was arrested in connection with the incident remains in custody and is currently helping the Police with their enquiries.

"Staffordshire Police is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have videoed it on a mobile phone to contact their Major Investigations Department on 01785 233600."

Rovers' Chairman John Williams said: "This is a tragic situation and our thoughts are with John's family at this deeply distressing time."