A coalition of individual Blackburn Rovers supporters and fan groups have today released a statement calling for Steve Waggott, Suhail Pasha and Rudy Gestede to not attend games at Ewood Park until the end of the season in the interests of fan harmony.
Rovers fan, Ant Payne said: “there is a real feeling now within a significant part of the fan base that change has to happen. Change in the club at both boardroom and ownership level. Events in January have led to this real supporter unrest with the culmination in John Eustace leaving being the final straw for many. The atmosphere at Ewood for the Cardiff game was the worst I have seen for many years. Yuki's equaliser was met with almost apathy. Where is the pride in our club now? The whole town used to be proud of our club. Even in the old 3rd division, we had no money but at least we had a boardroom and owners who cared. Not anymore, the soul of Blackburn Rovers is being destroyed. Don’t let them. Do something, please. Enough is Enough.
We've brought together an inclusive working group, made up of some groups and but also equally split with supporters who don't affiliate to any group.”
A coalition of individual Blackburn Rovers supporters and fan groups including; BRFC Action Group, EWMC, Kidder Street Noise, The Rovers, ReadRovers, New York Rovers, and All Rovers, are calling for unity among all those connected with the club to create a positive atmosphere as the team enters a critical phase of the season.
It is vital that all efforts are focused on supporting the players and backroom staff at this crucial time by fostering a positive environment at Ewood Park. The team needs the full backing of the supporters, especially when off-the-field matters have caused understandable frustration among the fanbase.
With this in mind, we respectfully request that CEO Steve Waggott, COO and owners’ representative Suhail Pasha, and Head of Football Operations Rudy Gestede do not attend the remaining fixtures this season. We believe their presence has become a source of division for many supporters, and their absence could help foster a more unified and focused atmosphere. Our request is made with the best interests of the club in mind, as unity is essential for success in these decisive weeks.
Supporters’ frustrations have grown due to concerns over the management of playing assets, declining matchday attendances, and reports of executive pay increases during a period of serious uncertainty for the club.
The Rao family are not keeping their pledge to “respect the Jack Walker legacy” which the wider football community understands. As a result of this there is a growing sentiment that Jack Walker’s legacy is slowly being eroded resulting in an increasing desire for new ownership.
This appeal is not personal, it is a call for solidarity and a shared commitment to our ultimate goal: securing promotion to the Premier League.
We remain fully committed to Blackburn Rovers and will continue working alongside supporters old and new, to ensure a brighter future for the club, one built on the values of our greatest supporter, Jack Walker.