Kean backed by LMA after ‘aggressive’ crowd abuse

Blackburn manager Steve Kean has received the full backing of the League Managers’ Association, who have released a strongly-worded statement condemning the unprecedented attacks on the Scot from his own fans at Ewood Park last night.

A large section of the Rovers support have been agitating against Kean for some time, with even the local newspaper calling for his head on Monday.

The ill-feeling spilled over completely once Mark Davies had scored Bolton’s opener in Tuesday’s crunch Barclays Premier League encounter. It continued throughout what turned into a 2-1 defeat and long after the final whistle as hundreds attended a demonstration outside the stadium calling for immediate action. The club’s controversial Indian owners, Venky’s, were still digesting the latest downturn in a sorry season yesterday.

Their absence from Ewood Park on Tuesday was noted with some alarm and Kean himself rejected talk of a board meeting, insisting he would be “100 per cent shocked” if he was sacked. He is expected to be ousted prior to the Boxing Day trip to Liverpool but former England striker Michael Owen was among those to express their disgust at the Rovers fans during last night’s game. And yesterday, the LMA stepped in, calling it “unacceptable” and “well beyond the mark”.

“When results continue to be bad on the field, fans who give up their hard-earned money to support their club have a right to voice their opinion,” said the LMA. “However, the aggression and abuse levelled at Steve over recent weeks has stepped well beyond the mark and is as unacceptable in football as it would be in any other profession.”

Ex-Rovers striker Kevin Gallacher is among those who believe the visual absence of a figurehead at Blackburn since the departure of former chief executive John Williams has contributed to the ire being directed at Kean. And it seems the LMA share those sentiments. “Blackburn Rovers is rightly proud of its long-standing history and tradition. However, owners of clubs such as Blackburn rely on the support and the relationships they build with their fans and their local community. As new owners, the Venky’s should build relationships, develop trust with their fans and communicate their vision on a regular basis in an open and visible way.”