Birmingham City make request to fans ahead of planned protest

Birmingham City have asked supporters planning on demonstrating against the running of the club at tonight’s match with Sheffield United to consider the safety of all and the match itself when doing so.

Blues acknowledge the intentions of many fans visiting St Andrew’s to take a stand against BSHL, the club’s parent holding company, and they are supportive of the freedom to protest - provided it remains peaceful.

Many Bluenoses are using the opportunity of their side being televised by Sky Sports to send their message - that they remain furious by the running of the club at senior level, and have been for some time - to a wider audience.

It won’t be the first Blues game in recent weeks that fans will be attending and leaving in no doubt how discontent they are, and on Friday for the visit of the Blades many are planning to attend a faceless mask protest in the Bullring Tavern prior to kick off.

Ahead of the game, Blues have felt it pertinent to address those supporters planning on protesting. They’re not discouraging it, but they are asking all concerned to continue in a peaceful manner to ensure the health and safety of all - and for the match itself to pass without any trouble.

“The club understands the frustrations felt by sections of the fanbase and supports the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest,” Blues’ statement reads.

“The support shown for Lee Bowyer and the team in recent weeks has been commendable, but we implore that if you choose to protest it continues in this way and does not adversely affect the football being played on the pitch.

“Whilst the large majority of recent demonstrations have remained nonviolent and supportive of the players, we have seen a number of incidents in recent