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.
Darlington ace Paddy Almond rushed to hospital due to bleed on the brain
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.
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
Granting the Shrimpers an October 4 deadline to pay off their £275k debt, Judge Sebastian Prentis said: "If this was not a football club with the attachment of its fans, I would be winding you up today. You will be wound up on the next date if itâs not sorted."
It's reckoned Southend's total debts amount to £1.3million.
Inside Southend's chaos: Wage struggles, transfer bans and players leaving
The Shrimpers Trust said in a statement: "Martin has once again done the bare minimum to keep his dream alive without any care about the club, fans or staff."
The protest against Eastleigh was organised on social media yesterday, with a message reading "On 10 minutes, to signify each of the points we have yesterday been deducted, there will be a unified protest.
"We ask that all fellow fans who wish to see Ron Martin out of our club support and participate as directed at the time.
"If you are boycotting, which many individuals in our groups are, there is still an opportunity to participate, please get in touch.
"We will not be silenced and we will not tolerate his wilful negligence.
"Southend United is now once again reaching new depths and at its lowest point in living memory.
"For all the loyalty, good will and effort shown by players, fans and staff alike, the present owner rides roughshod over it without an ounce of decency.
"Last nightâs Shrimpers Trust statement calls for greater fan participation in club ownership and governance. This is an aim and goal of all of the supporters groups.
"With this in mind, we cannot wait and hope that the tax, judicial or football authorities alone will resolve this.
"As combined fans we will be bringing a visible demonstration to the game from all three sides on Friday night."
Last month, angry supporters staged a protest outside Martin's house, demanding he "sell up and get out."
Martin has owned Southend since 1998.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football
