Blackburn Rovers protested against the Venky’s ownership by throwing tennis balls on the pitch during their FA Cup match against Newcastle United.
Game has momentarily stopped as Blackburn fans throw tennis balls on the pitch.#NUFC. pic.twitter.com/DEPOrQhFR8
— Jordan Cronin (@jordancronin_) February 27, 2024
“We want Venkys out” – Blackburn fans chant against owners
Blackburn Rovers fans were audibly heard chanting “We want Venkys out” in the early stages of the match.
Shortly after, in the 14th minute, Blackburn fans threw a small amount of tennis balls on the pitch resulting in the game momentarily stopping.
Significance of 14th minute
The Blackburn fans threw tennis balls on the pitch in the 14th minute as it has been 14 years since the Venky’s purchased a 99.9% stake in the club.
Blackburn Rovers fans throw tennis balls on to the pitch in the 14th minute to protest against 14 years of Venky's ownership.#BBCFootball #FACup pic.twitter.com/3kvVdZqucX
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 27, 2024
When the Indian company bought the club, Blackburn were in the Premier League, however, since then the club have declined. The Lancashire club currently sit 16th in the Championship.
The owners recently had to apply for a special permission agreement in India to keep funding Blackburn. This came in the form of an application the High Court in the capital New Delhi for emergency permission to pay an outstanding tax bill of £11m, after an application to send £26m to Blackburn was turned down.