Rovers are urging local MPs to help their push for a return of supporters to Ewood Park.

The club applied to be part of this weekend’s EFL pilot to stage a Championship fixture with up to 1,000 fans present. That request was turned down, owing to the current Covid-19 rates in the area, but Rovers hope for inclusion for their next home fixture against Cardiff City on October 3.

Before then, the club are keen to learn more about the phased return of supporters, believing a lack of fans inside stadia is having a ‘crippling’ effect on revenue streams of all clubs.

Rovers say they have put together ‘comprehensive plans and procedures’ to ensure that fans could watch matches safely and while adhering to social distancing guidelines, with EFL chair Rick Parry stating that the Government’s new ‘rule of six’ could also be applied inside grounds.

“With your support, we therefore urge the Government to give the green light to the return of crowds from the beginning of October, as originally planned,” Rovers have stated in an open letter.

“Failure to do so, or to at least provide any credible roadmap back to the return of fans in the near future, could have catastrophic consequences for many football clubs, like ourselves, and the communities they represent.

“Football is facing an impending financial crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A reasonable resolution must be reached at the earliest opportunity to avoid unimaginable outcomes.

“Therefore, we write to you for your public support for the safe return of fans to Ewood Park as we move forward.”

Rovers last staged a match infront of supporters on February 29, a 2-2 draw with Swansea City.

Since then the club say they have experienced ‘unprecedented challenges of unparalleled levels’ which have left revenue streams ‘decimated’ and say ‘our hard losses could have a crippling effect on the financial future of the club’.

And Rovers also say the benefits of fans will be felt across the community.

They add: “For generations, Blackburn Rovers has been the heartbeat of the local community. It cannot be stressed enough how important fans attending games is to the local economy, through direct employment of local people, supporting the local supply chain and providing much needed revenues across a number of businesses in the local area.

“And during these troubled times, watching live sport can provide relief, enjoyment and entertainment to so many. The ability for supporters to attend games will provide a much-needed outlet for all the stress our supporters are facing in their own lives.”

Rovers, who released season ticket information to supporters this week, say the return of supporters is the final hurdle to climb, but stress all necessary procedures are in place to ensure their safe return.

“Over recent weeks and months, the club has undertaken a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes, with government agencies, the local authorities and football bodies amongst others, to put comprehensive plans and procedures in place to ensure the safe return of players and staff, for games to be played behind closed doors, and we are contacting you today to ask for your crucial support as we seek to bring supporters back to the stadium,” they write.

To read the letter in full, click here.