Halftime entertainers arrested for abusing fans

LONDON, Oct 16 (Reuters) Twin teenage female singers providing entertainment at an English second division match were arrested and fined after abusing fans.

Francine and Nicola Gleadall, 18, made obscene gestures and swore at Barnsley supporters after performing their debut single - a cover of Slade's 1970s hit ''Cum on Feel the Noize'' at halftime during Sheffield Wednesday's derby with their local rivals.

The singing twins, who hail from Sheffield, spent two hours at a police station and were each fined 1.

A spokesman for the singers said they had been ''intimidated'' after being jeered by Barnsley supporters, who numbered some 7,000 in the 29,000-strong crowd at Hillsborough.

''They were in tears and very upset afterwards but what they did was totally out of character and have apologised for any offence they have caused,'' the spokesman told the Daily Mirror.

The incident prompted Sheffield Wednesday to issue a statement ''apologising unreservedly'' for any offence caused.

''The girls had been fully briefed by club officials not to interact with supporters during their performance,'' a spokesman said.

As well as being abused by the twins, it was a miserable day all round for Barnsley fans who saw their side lose 2-1 with Wednesday scoring a last minute winner.

REUTERS PM BS1525