Rovers and fans agree to no banners

Rovers fans have been dealt a blow as protest organisers have been forced to concede the use of flags and banners prior and during the game against Chelsea at the weekend.

Fans have been told they can leave their banners with stewards in advance of the game and can collect them from the security office in the Blackburn End Lower Tier to use in the after match protest.

The club sent an email to the organisers explaining the ruling.

Newsham statement to supporters read - 'Any banners that have to be confiscated due to them not being offered over in good faith will not be returned and personnel may be refused entry at that point.

'If any banners get into the ground and are displayed they will be removed by stewards and not returned. '

Not exactly great news for those wanting to make a stand but these guidelines have had to be agreed to in order for the club to sanction the demonstrations.

Glen Mullen, one of the protest organisers and of course a writer for Vital Blackburn said - 'Not being able to have banners is a blow but we take health and safety very seriously.

'The protest group's conduct has been exemplary throughout the last couple of months and we wish all our demonstrations to be peaceful with clear messages.

'Although disappointed, we respect the club's decision to impose a banner ban in the interest of public safety.'

There have even been rumours that a counter protests against the protest is now being set up.

After a slow news day things just picked up and as developments happen we'll keep you posted.

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