Wednesday 16 March 2016 00:32, UK
Championship strugglers Charlton have released a statement following protests by home fans marred Sunday's 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough.
Supporters held a mock funeral before the clash at the Valley, while a large number of beach balls were thrown onto the pitch during the match.
Addicks fans were voicing their displeasure at the way they feel the club is being run by owner Roland Duchatelet, with Charlton currently 23rd in the Championship table, five points adrift of safety.
In a statement addressed to the fans, Charlton have said some individuals "want the club to fail" and have called on supporters to back the team as they bid to retain their Championship status.
The statement said: "Last Sunday, some individuals did not come to the Valley to watch the game and support the team, but came to create disorder on the pitch and interfere with the players and the game. Disorder which is, allegedly,
needed to drive change in ownership and management.
"Whom would they expect the club to be sold to? How long would a sales process take? Is it easier to sell the club when it is in League One rather than Championship?
"Some individuals seem to want the club to fail. This is a confused approach, since following this logic leads to exactly the opposite of what we all want: staying in the Championship.
"We have nine games left in which we have to get six points more than our competitors. The team just got seven points out of three games.
"We still have the chance to make it happen with the support of the fans until the very last game. We must believe it is still possible. Every football fan knows the 12th man is a crucial factor in the success on the pitch."
