Blackburn http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 clash at Ewood Park
The section of Blackburn Rovers supporters calling for manager Steve Kean’s removal have been banned from displaying banners before and during the upcoming match on Sunday. The Rovers are set to host English Premier League giants Chelsea at Ewood Park and it has been announced that the unhappy fans will not be allowed to display their dissatisfaction on the match day.
If allowed to go through, the demonstration would have been the fourth one at the Blackburn Rovers home by the fans who are determined to see Kean go. However, the club has decided to put a stop to the protests, which seem to have been adversely affecting the team. It was reported that no banners would be allowed into the ground until after the match was finished.
John Newsham, the Blackburn Rovers stadium manager, sent out an email to the head of the protestors which read:
“Any banners that have to be confiscated due to them not being offered over in good faith will not be returned and personnel may be refused entry at that point.
If any banners get into the ground and are displayed they will be removed by stewards and not returned.”
The protestors did not take the news too well, but after meeting with the club representatives and the local police they finally agreed with the decision. It was feared by the Blackburn Rovers safety department that the protestor’s banners could trigger a counter protest, which could lead to conflict amongst the fans and disrupt the game.
Glen Mullen, one of the organisers, revealed in a statement:
“Not being able to have banners is a blow, but we take health and safety very seriously.
The protest group's conduct has been exemplary throughout the last couple of months and we wish all our demonstrations to be peaceful with clear messages.”
He continued:
“We appreciate the club and the police bringing to our attention that other protest groups may exist and may be looking to cause conflict on Saturday.”
The fact that the disgruntled supporters will no longer be allowed to bring in “Kean Out” banners does in no way mean they will altogether cease with the protests. The Rovers have had a terrible start to the season and most of the supporters blame Kean and have called for his removal time and time again. However, he currently has the support of the owners, Venkys, and looks to continue on with the club.
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