Sports

Arsenal forced to change team bus as fans protest

Published

6 years ago

January 6, 2019

Several Blackpool supporters blocked Arsenal’ s bus from leaving the team hotel in an effort to postpone Saturday ’ s FA Cup tie , Goal reports .
The Gunners were forced to change to a new bus as Blackpool supporters continue to protest the club ’ s owner Owen Oyston .

One Blackpool fan climbed on top of the coach , while several others stood in its way in an effort to prevent the bus from leaving the hotel and heading to Bloomfield Road.

Blackpool supporters saw the high -profile FA Cup showdown as an opportunity to have their protests against Oyston given a bigger platform , with the game broadcast on national television .

Protests are expected outside of Bloomfield Road ahead of the game as Tangerines supporters voice their opposition to Oyston ’ s ownership .

Inside the ground , however , it should be a more subdued environment with Blackpool having sold less than 3 , 000 tickets to the FA Cup match .

The small number of home supporters is nothing new for the League One side , whose average attendance is less than 4 , 000 this season as fans continue to stay away due to their opposition to Oyston ’ s ownership .

Police were aware of the potential for protests before the game , with particular attention paid to pitch invaders .
“ Anybody entering the field of play without permission will be committing criminal offences and will be dealt with appropriately, ” a Lancashire Police statement published ahead of the match read .

Blackpool fan group , The Muckers , said , “ We are calling on all Blackpool fans to make their feelings known towards the owners in a non – violent but direct way . We will be present and encourage people not to enter the pitch, which we would condemn . ”