Club Statement On Protest.

[Alan75]

Following Saturday’s vocal protest by fans regarding the ejection of two supporters, Rovers have released a statement explaining the events that prompted the protest.

The club and the police have denied that anyone was ejected from the ground against Middlesbrough on Saturday for persistent standing, stating that two arrests were made for Public Order offences

Chief Superintendent David Mallaby, the match commander on Saturday, is quoted as saying

"Police officers did carry out two arrests in the ground for Public Order related offences. Both have been charged and are waiting to appear in court. I can confirm that police did not arrest anyone for standing in a seated area."

In a statement released on the Official Rovers web site, www.rovers.co.uk club secretary Tom Finn is quoted as saying:

"An unpleasant atmosphere prevailed during the second half of Saturday's game and we feel it is imperative that everyone be made fully aware of the facts.

"There was an incident at the Blackburn End during the second half. Visiting supporters situated in one of the hospitality boxes celebrated when Middlesbrough scored and that led to a response from within the home support.

"Club staff and stewards went into the hospitality box to speak to those concerned and from thereon their behaviour was closely monitored and was acceptable.

"It is not unusual for our corporate supporters to entertain guests who have an allegiance to the visiting club; it happens here at Ewood Park and at every other ground in the Premier League.

"However, it was most regrettable that on Saturday the reaction from guests in a corporate box to Middlesbrough scoring should prompt an incident and lead to arrests.

"Feelings were running high at that stage in the Blackburn End and it was clear that many of our supporters felt that action had been taken against fans for standing.

"We do have an issue with a small minority of our supporters standing in home areas and it is clearly opportune at this stage to outline our policy towards persistent standing in seated areas.

"The policy of insisting that spectators remain seated is one that is prescribed by The 1989 Football Spectators Act. We all accept that supporters will stand at times of high drama and for goalmouth incidents but persistent standing is unacceptable. This is reinforced within our Safety Certificate issued and monitored by our local authority.

"We understand that one of the biggest sources of complaint is our supporters' perception that there is one rule for them and another for away supporters.

Click here for full statement as released by the Official Rovers Web Site

You may need to register with the official site to read the full statement