Birmingham City manager Lee Bowyer sends supporters message ahead of Saturday’s planned protests

Birmingham City boss Lee Bowyer has urged the Blues fans to get behind the players on Saturday and would prefer it if they stayed off of the field of play amidst rumours that there may be a pitch invasion.

The #BSHLOUT hashtag has been gathering plenty of momentum on social media over the past seven days and a big turnout of protesters is expected prior to the Barnsley game.

Bowyer claims he understands the frustration of the fanbase but has asked for them, regardless of what they do prior to the game and afterwards, to make sure all focus is on the team during the 90 minutes.

“Things that happen off the pitch none of us can control, whether it’s me, whether its the players - all we can do is concentrate on what’s going on on the pitch,” he said.

“The players are a good bunch. They will work hard and give everything on Saturday.

“If there is a protest that’s going to happen, all I ask of the fans is to get behind the players when they turn up on Saturday like they always do.

“It might make them a little bit more geared up because whatever’s going on off the pitch, then it will make the place louder and might help the players in a different way.

“All I ask for is their support and the players have to give them something to support them for.”

There has been support gathering for a potential pitch invasion as part of the protest prior to the game on Saturday.

It is understandable that supporters at this stage are at the end of their tether and will try anything they are able if it means a change of ownership.

As supporters it is also their right to do as they please and Bowyer acknowledged that but was hesitant about the potential of fans storming the field and added that he would rather them take other measures if possible.

“When you start invading the pitch that can affect what goes on on the pitch because that’s something that’s not normal to happen during a game,” he stated.

“Again it’s something I can’t control but in an ideal world I’d rather whatever happens away from the stadium to keep away because we’ve got a game we’ve got to try and win on Saturday. In the best way possible I mean.

“When things like that happen, it can become a bit nasty with certain things and people can get hurt.

“In an ideal world that wouldn’t happen but like I said I’ll be concentrating on the game and trying to get us three points for them to go home singing about.”

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and keep the conversation going.