BLACKBURN Rovers fans have backed the campaign against the East Lancashire-based chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.

Brighton supporters angry at the decision by Focus DIY chief Bill Archer to sell off the Seagulls' Goldstone ground travelled to his home in Whinney Lane, Mellor, Blackburn, at the weekend.

Meanwhile, more than a 1,000 car stickers with the message "Rovers Fans Say...Boycott Focus DIY" were being handed to fans who travelled to Blackburn's game against Leicester.

The stickers were accompanied by a leaflet asking Rovers fans what they would do if a similar situation arose at Ewood Park.

Mr Archer, a former Crown Paints salesman, bought his controlling stake in the Albion for £56.25 in 1993 and sold the club's Goldstone Ground to developers last year.

Albion are leasing the ground back until May. But the Football League is opposing Mr Archer's plans for Brighton to ground-share at Gillingham next season.

TV sports personality Des Lynam is even said to be considered stepping in to mediate the dispute.

Brighton fans fear it could mean the end of the once-proud club, which played Manchester United in the FA cup final 13-years-ago, unless Mr Archer gives way to a consortium led by millionaire Dick Knight.

Paul Loftus, Editor of the Loadsamoney Rovers' fanzine and committee member of the Ewood Blues Independent Supporters Association, said: "More than 1,000 car stickers were given out to Rovers fans at Leicester on Saturday.

They urged a boycott of Mr Archer's Focus DIY chain.

"An accompanying leaflet asked them how they would feel if the Evening Telegraph discovered plans for Rovers to ground share at Old Trafford.

"Every fan should be concerned about what is going on at Brighton.

"It could happen somewhere else."

The leaflet produced by the Ewood Blues urged Rovers' fans to visit Mr Archer's home or write to him and inform him why they "will not be shopping at Focus".

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