Blackburn Rovers questioned for 'concerning' West Brom ticket decision | OneFootball

West Brom have sold out their allocation of over 7,000 for their huge away game against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Blackburn picked up a very impressive four points from games against automatic promotion hopefuls Millwall and Middlesbrough going into the international break.

That has given Michael O’Neill’s side a four-point cushion over 22nd-placed Leicester City with seven games to go, so they are in a good position to stay up.

However, such is the nature of the Championship, things can change very quickly, and O’Neill will be reminding everyone connected to Rovers that they still have a lot of work to do.

The game against the Foxes on the final day has the potential to be enormous, but Blackburn have some massive fixtures prior to that, and the one against West Brom immediately stands out.

West Brom set to take a huge away following to Blackburn

Like Blackburn, Albion are on 43 points from 39 games, but they are a place behind Rovers due to their inferior goal difference.

So, when the two meet at Ewood Park on Easter Monday, it will be a great opportunity for the winner to take a huge step towards survival.

Therefore, it has come as a surprise to some that Blackburn gave Albion a full allocation, with the Baggies confirming they have sold all 7,396 tickets they were given for the game.

That will provide a big boost to James Morrison's players, as the full away end is certain to create plenty of noise as they look to help the team to three points.

Given what’s at stake, some have questioned why Rovers were prepared to give Albion so many tickets, and when quizzed about that by FLW, Blackburn fan pundit Simon Middlehurst echoed that view, as he criticised the club for prioritising finances over anything else.

“It is a little bit concerning. Obviously, our home form hasn’t been the best this season anyway, and ideally, you would want the home fans on side.

“The more away fans, the more atmosphere they’re going to bring, but to give West Brom, our relegation rivals, a full allocation, just kind of shows where the club is at the minute. They’d rather take money from away fans than help the team. It shows where we’re at financially that we’re having to rely on away fans to bring money in.

“So, it’s a little bit concerning, but, hopefully, on that day, Blackburn can put a performance on and get the home fans behind them.”

Blackburn have made progress under Michael O’Neill as they fight to stay up

You can understand why some Blackburn fans are unhappy at this.

At this stage of the season, you’re looking for any possible advantage you can get, and allowing your relegation rivals to be backed by over 7,000 fans isn’t going to help.

Clearly, it was a decision made with finances in mind, but football should be the priority right now, and it could be a call they regret come May if Albion leave with three points and Rovers are relegated.

But, that shouldn’t be an excuse for the players. There have been many big away followings at Ewood Park over the years, and Blackburn just picked up a creditable point against Middlesbrough, who were backed by a similar number.

So, O’Neill won’t let it become a distraction, and he will ensure the players are focused on the task in hand when the game does come around.

The Northern Ireland chief has done a fine job since his appointment, and he will hope that Blackburn fans come out in their numbers for that game, especially knowing how big the away support will be.

Either way, the goal is to keep the team in the league, and a win against Albion would go a long way to ensuring another year of Championship football for Blackburn.