A PROTEST led by Blackburn Rovers Action Group sent a clear message to the Venky’s both prior and following the home game with Newcastle United.

Around 250 Rovers fans met in Blackburn town centre as part of the co-ordinated protest against the club’s Indian owners.

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Fans held banners and flags aloft, as well as chanting of “We Want Venky’s Out” and “We Want Our Rovers Back”.

Those chants continued as they marched to Ewood Park, where the group continued the protest until kick-off.

Following the final whistle, a section of supporters also stayed behind after the 1-0 win to stage a sit-in protest.

This was the third protest held by Rovers fans this season, following previous demonstrations in home games against Wolves and Brentford.

Rovers boss Owen Coyle said of the fans after his side’s 1-0 win over Newcastle: “When you see the fans back the players, as they did today, that helped them over the line.

“I have been here on the other side when Ewood Park has been rocking and it’s an unbelievable atmosphere.

“It felt like that because the fans recognised that we were playing against a good team and were under the cosh for the last 10 minutes when they threw everything at us.

“My point has always been, if you want to protest then we understand that, we say that they are well within their rights to do that.

“But the important thing is that in the game they back the players, because if they do, and I have been there myself, I can’t tell you how invaluable it is when the fans are behind you and backing you.

“That helps everyone and I think that played a big part in the win.”