Blackburn fans urge hierarchy to not attend games

Blackburn have been out of the Premier League since relegation in 2012

A collection of Blackburn Rovers supporters groups are calling upon senior club officials to stay away from the side's remaining games this season.

The fan groups want chief executive officer Steve Waggott, head of football operations Rudy Gestede and chief operating officer, and representative of the owners, Suhail Pasha to not attend any of the final eight league matches.

The groups believe these figures have become a target for frustrations at how the club is being run and their absence could result in a more positive environment for the team to perform in.

In response, the club welcomed the call for unity, but insisted the senior leadership team will continue to attend matches.

"While differences of opinion exist, our shared goal is clear – to drive the club forward together," Rovers' statement said.

"As we enter the final eight Championship fixtures of the season, our focus must remain on supporting the team in what could be a decisive period for the club."

Blackburn have slipped to ninth in the Championship, five points adrift of the play-off spots.

Rovers have taken just one point from their past five games, including four matches under new head coach Valerien Ismael.

The Frenchman arrived to replace John Eustace, who left the club to join struggling Derby County last month.

But a season that looked so promising - after a run of six straight wins in November and December had Blackburn as high as fifth and hopeful of maintaining a play-off push - is threatening to go the other way.

The club needed a strong transfer window to reinforce gaps in the squad but ended up scrambling in three players on deadline day.

And since that strong run before Christmas, they have only collected 15 points from their past 18 matches.

They also face a situation this summer when 12 players either end their loan deals or are out of contract.

Ex-Blackburn player Rudy Gestede has been head of football operations since last June

'Jack Walker's legacy eroded'

Against this backdrop, the fan groups state the presence of Waggott, Gestede and Pasha has become a "source of division" among supporters and that their absence could engender a more "unified and focused atmosphere".

They are unhappy at the direction the club is taking on what is also the 30th anniversary of their Premier League title win.

Their statement on X said: "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."

Many Rovers fans also believe it is time for new ownership at the club after nearly 15 years under the Venky's group.

"There is a growing sentiment [former owner] Jack Walker's legacy is being slowly eroded, resulting in an increasing desire for new ownership," the fan group statement said.

'Working towards long-term success and stability'

The club issued a statement in which it "welcomed the collective call of unity" before the final few games of the season.

While recognising the "passion and commitment" of supporters, more than 1,000 of whom are heading to Fratton Park for Saturday's match at Portsmouth, the club wanted to make clear its desire to maintain "open communication" with fans.

"Rovers' CEO, Steve Waggott, along with other senior executives, have held regular meetings with individual supporters and fan groups throughout the season to share updates on club matters and engage in meaningful two-way dialogue," it said in a statement.

"These sessions have provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, address any concerns and consider fan perspectives as part of the club's ongoing decision-making process.

"We understand the importance of open communication and will continue to engage with fans as we work towards the long-term success and stability of the club."