Blackburn Rovers fans opt out of nearby local non-league fixtures scheduled for upcoming game against Watford in boycott protest.
The Blackburn Rovers Supporters Coalition, a group representing several supporters’ organizations, has called for a boycott of the home game against Watford on January 24.
This is part of a protest against the long-term ownership of Venky’s (the Rao family), which fans accuse of 15 years of neglect, separation, lack of ambition, poor communication and mismanagement.
Saturday, January 24th
AFC Darwen v Maine Road
Chorley v DarlingtonStay away from Ewood. Send a clear message.
Spend your money where it will be valued. pic.twitter.com/m48iASOKfp— Blackburn Rovers Supporters Coalition (@BRFCCoalition) January 15, 2026
Time to take a stand #Rover pic.twitter.com/Gn2j2fTcDT
— Blackburn Rovers Supporters Coalition (@BRFCCoalition) January 13, 2026
The Blackburn Rovers Supporters Coalition said: “For 150 years, Blackburn Rovers Football Club has been the beating heart of our community. Built by workers, supported by generations, passed down from parents to children.
“Ewood Park is not just bricks and seats, it is memory, it is identity, it is our home. 150 years of development, 135 years of pride and 15 years of shame. Not because of relegations, not because of defeats.”
“Football has always had its ups and downs, but because of neglect, silence and separation. Because a club with our history has been allowed to drift while those it cares most about are ignored.”
“This is not about players, this is not about the manager, this is about the badge on the shirt and what it represents. This is about ownership refusing to listen.”
“A club running at a distance, with no vision, no ambition and no respect for the people who built it. We marched, we wrote letters, we asked questions, we waited patiently and yet nothing changes. Now we are faced with a painful truth.”
“Sometimes the only way to stand out is to be absent. On January 24, when Watford come to Ewood Park, we ask you not to turn away from your club, but to stand up for it. We know what that requires of you.”
“Football lasts more than 90 minutes, it’s routine, it’s friendship, it’s escapism. We understand the sacrifice, we don’t reject it, we respect it.”
“The only voice we have now is whether we show up or not. This is not a protest of hate, it is an act of love.”
“A message that says it’s too important for us to remain silent, it’s too important for us to pretend everything is fine. If you bleed blue and white, if you believe Blackburn Rovers deserve better, if you want change, then this is the time.
“Stay away from Ewood and make sure the silence can no longer be ignored. Not forever, just long enough to be heard. 150 years of work, 135 years of pride and 15 years of shame.”
“January 24th, Blackburn Rovers vs Watford. Vote with your feet on the future of our club.”
They tweeted: “Our open letter was ignored. The club continues to point out that dissenting voices are in the minority, but fans have not been given a meaningful opportunity to prove otherwise. Many fans feel uncomfortable with on-site protests, but still want change.”
“A boycott is the clearest way to show real numbers. It should not primarily have a financial impact. If enough supporters stay away, the strength of feelings will no longer be undeniable. This message must be recognized and the open letter must finally be answered.”
“What happens next depends entirely on the success of the boycott. Every vacant seat is a vote of no confidence in Pasha and the Rao family. With season ticket holders, it’s not about you already having your money. It’s a peaceful, measured way to be heard.”
“This is Stage 1 of a strategic plan, its effectiveness depends on the success of the boycott. Please share this message calmly and respectfully. The fact that we have reached this point rests solely with the owners and their representatives. Together we are stronger, unity is our greatest strength.”
Suhail Pasha believes that those of us who want change are in the minority. The head is in the sand. He refuses to listen. Show him you want change by staying away. You don’t turn your back on the team, you stand up for your club. Your chance to make a difference#Rovers pic.twitter.com/vq1PlH2sfM
— Blackburn Rovers Supporters Coalition (@BRFCCoalition) January 14, 2026
The Blackburn fans group publishes an open letter to the owners urging fans to boycott home games
Social media users expressed their reaction as Blackburn fans opted out of non-league games scheduled for the upcoming game at Watford in boycott protest…
@chorleyawaydays: We have received many messages from Rovers fans visiting Chorley FC on the day. We’d love to bring you along and hopefully you’ll enjoy another day at footy #Rovers
@tonybainbridge1: In my opinion, it would have a greater impact if you had chosen one device. The ideal game would be the Darwen game. The boycotters could meet at Ewood at 1.30am, greet the players as they arrive and then walk as a group in Rovers colors/banners up the road to the Anchor ground.
@NYCRovers: You want Venkys out. Pasha tells the owners and the press that only a small percentage of fans think this way. We ask for a small sacrifice to convey the message and present the truth. Please don’t go to the Watford game.
@MattGregzy: Everyone should get behind this… Actually, I’m outraged at the amount of people who are blind to this and think that constantly spending their hard earned money on the hall is the answer… incredibly baffling
@TheBazGaz: Participants should not be criticized – it will never be 100% effective. We have to accept that some people will attend. The key is that 95% of the fan base wants Venkys to go. The boycott is about making a collective statement. #venkysout #Rovers We need to unite on this.
@lynseywales: For me it is no coincidence that the club’s decline appears to have occurred parallel to the decline of the city itself. The soul has left in the last 15/20 years. Perhaps doing something positive in the city center would be a productive alternative activity for fans
@SWFCTrust: We know this pain all too well. Clubs like Wednesday and Blackburn were founded by working-class communities, passed down through generations and are not just business assets. When owners ignore their fans, they rip the soul out of a club. Full solidarity with the Rovers fans, this is bigger than any single team. Football has an ownership problem. #swfc #rover
@mattmadon: The time is now. Over 10,000 fans have already left, only about 8,000 hardcore fans remain. Time for the remaining 8,000 to vote with their feet and drive these absolute parasites out of our club. #EnoughIsEnough
@KatieTKSFTBL: It’s time to stand up and make your feelings clear. As a fan, I would be happy about a well-run club. Instead, we’ve experienced 15 years of shame and embarrassment, and the list goes on…
@OwlinSurrey: Like @ReadingFC and you, we had a disastrous owner. The damage he caused is still showing and thanks to the @EFL sanctions it will continue for another season or two. I’m not on the board of our @SWFCTrust so I don’t know if you’ve contacted #swfc fans for advice?
