Blackburn's fifth-round FA Cup clash against Newcastle was temporarily halted for several minutes as home fans threw tennis balls on to the pitch. Ewood Park was packed with supporters for the cup clash that pitted the Championship side against Premier League opposition and supporters vented their frustration at the club's ownership. An estimated 15 to 20 tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch in the 15th-minute and the game was quickly paused by Australian referee Jarred Gillett. Home fans used the gesture to protest 14-years of ownership under the Venky's who originally purchased the club under the name of Venky's London Limited for £23 million. Travelling Newcastle supporters encountered difficulties trying to get into Ewood Park for the scheduled 7.45pm kick off and it was eventually pushed back.
