A CHEEKY Blackburn Rovers mascot tried to get the referee to give his side the rub of the green at Sunday’s FA Cup match.

Owen Carstairs, seven, looked match official Martin Atkinson square in the eye and asked him to not give any yellow or red cards to Rovers players ahead of the club’s clash with Manchester United.

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Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho, along with the other mascots and officials in the tunnel, took the Meadowhead Junior School pupil’s remarks in good spirits.

The Mill Hill youngster got the chance to walk out with midfielder Darragh Lenihan at Ewood Park after his name was picked out of a Blackburn Rovers Community Trust Holiday Club draw.

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Owen’s stepmum, Michelle Corrigan, 38, said she was filled with pride and happiness when she saw a video of what happened.

She said: “He made us laugh so much. I’m so pleased he had the courage to say that.

“He’s a cheeky, confident, bright young boy who was absolutely thrilled to walk out with the players. It was good to see Jose take it in good spirits as well as the referee.”

Owen went to the match with his dad, Kristian Pendlebury, and his brothers and sister, Tyler, 13, Connor 12, and Madison, nine.

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Rovers put in a spirited performance despite being knocked out of the competition 2-1 by the premier league side.

His stepmum and younger sister Darcy, two, and brother, Harry, six months, watched from home.

Ms Corrigan said: “He loves football and he’s become really passionate about Blackburn Rovers since he started going to their holiday clubs last year.

“He really enjoyed the whole day and the light hearted moment before the match was the cherry on top of the cake.”