AN EAST Lancashire MP and churchmen are joined fans in calling for a Satanic billboard to be removed from a football ground.

And the calls were today backed by Blackburn Diocese, with a spokesman for the Bishop Alan Chesters saying the church could "understand why some fans were upset."

Preston North End is already home to some unusual things -- like lucky mascot Deepdale Duck -- and supporters keeping their eyes peeled will have noticed a board reading SAT 4N lurking behind the goal posts.

The sign is part of an advertising campaign by Preston-based car registration maker New Reg which has boards around the pitch spelling out quirky messages including other funnies such as K1N KY and P5Y CO. But not everyone thinks the board is amusing.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, whose constituency covers part of Preston, called on North End bosses to replace the billboard with something more inspirational to players.

The Preston North End supporter said: "I hope the advertisers think again and remove the billboard, replacing it with something more inspirational to the players, such as PR 35 TON!" Canon Edward Burns, of Christ Church, Victoria Road, Fulwood, said he thought it was an ominous choice for a hoarding. He said: "I would consider the person who chose this number plate to be somewhat sinister. Satan is in the Bible but I think Satanism is afflicting our society and doesn't need encouraging."

Michael Wedgeworth, spokesperson for the Blackburn diocese, said he could "understand why some fans were upset" but said he didn't want to comment further.

After North End's defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday at Deepdale in their opening match there are fears the SAT 4N sign may already be bringing bad luck.

North End fan Phil Ramsdale, from Chorley, said: "The message could have a detrimental effect on the performance of the players, if they were the superstitious type."

A spokesman from New Reg, which recently signed a three-year shirt sponsorship deal with the club said: "I am a fan of PNE, but I don't think the sign has done them any harm.

"However, it's only the beginning of the season and we will be changing the boards. Maybe a registration that reads W1N ER would be better."