MANCHESTER United fans have launched a hate campaign against Elles-mere Port following a football match flare-up.

During their team's highly charged clash with Everton on Saturday a woman apparently associated with match sponsor Ellesmere Port Motor Auctions became involved in a heated verbal exchange with striker Wayne Rooney, who controversially signed for the Old Trafford side from Everton.

Shortly afterwards United fan website red-issue began carrying abusive and threatening messages not just against the company but Ellesmere Port generally.

One even suggested burning down the Ross-more-based company.

But when the Pioneer contacted the website owners they agreed to remove this particular message. And police have warned they will take action against anyone posting messages inciting violence.

Trouble began on Saturday when Rooney appeared at Everton's Goodison Park stadium for the first time since his summer transfer.

He ran a gauntlet of abuse from Blues fans before a televised confrontation with a woman thought to be associated with the firm.

Staff from the company were standing on the edge of the pitch when the unnamed woman was seen by millions of BBC viewers to seemingly shout abuse at the player as he returned to the dressing rooms after a pre-match warm-up.

The 19-year-old England star, clearly upset by this, responded verbally.

Since then Man Utd fans have flooded the website's chat-room with abuse directed at the town, its residents and Motor Auctions.

The worst said: 'Where them [sic] Auctions are is on a big industrial estate. So no-one would notice if it were to catch fire.'

Other messages give the firm's address and phone number, urging people not to buy cars from it and insult company staff.

On being contacted by the Pioneer, the website's owner said: 'We will review the posts in question and, if we find them to be in any way criminal, we will remove them.'

Motor Auctions declined to comment. But Everton spokesman Ian Ross said: 'We view the situation very seriously and hope to reach our verdict later this week.'

Chief Insp Barry Travis of Ellesmere Port police said: 'We cannot condone any actions or comments which appear to threaten the safety of people or businesses in the Port.'