National League clash suspended as fuming Southend fans throw tennis balls on pitch after ten-point deduction
- 9 months ago
SOUTHEND'S non-league clash with Eastleigh was delayed for a bizarre reason.
Furious Shrimpers hurled tennis balls onto the pitch as they protested their ownership following this week's ten-point deduction.
Southend were punished by National League chiefs after the High Court set them an October deadline to pay off debts worth £275,000 to energy suppliers and electrical contractors.
It's the club's 18th winding-up petition in the last 14 years.
Supporters have long been calling for owner Ron Martin to leave, with many fearing for the club's long-term future.
And in the 10th minute of Friday's home clash with Eastleigh, they let their feelings be known in style.
A barrage of tennis balls were launched onto the pitch as fans called on Martin to go.
The disruption caused the match to be suspended as staff cleared the field.
But it eventually continued as Southend raced into a 2-0 lead before half-time.
The protest came two days after Southend's latest High Court drama.
Furious Shrimpers hurled tennis balls onto the pitch as they protested their ownership following this week's ten-point deduction.
Southend were punished by National League chiefs after the High Court set them an October deadline to pay off debts worth £275,000 to energy suppliers and electrical contractors.
It's the club's 18th winding-up petition in the last 14 years.
Supporters have long been calling for owner Ron Martin to leave, with many fearing for the club's long-term future.
And in the 10th minute of Friday's home clash with Eastleigh, they let their feelings be known in style.
A barrage of tennis balls were launched onto the pitch as fans called on Martin to go.
The disruption caused the match to be suspended as staff cleared the field.
But it eventually continued as Southend raced into a 2-0 lead before half-time.
The protest came two days after Southend's latest High Court drama.