Charlton have released a controversial statement after another set of protests overshadowed the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Infuriated supporters staged a mock funeral, threw beach balls on to the pitch and blew whistles – as well as forming another post-match protest – in the biggest show of discontentment yet.

Fans have been angry with the way the club is being run under Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet.

But in a response to the protests, a statement from the club has defended the owner’s actions.

It read: “Last Sunday, some individuals did not come to the Valley to watch the game and support the team, but came to create disorder on the pitch and interfere with the players and the game.

“Disorder which is, allegedly, needed to drive change in ownership and management.

“Whom would they expect the club to be sold to? How long would a sales process take? Is it easier to sell the club when it is in League One rather than Championship?

“Some individuals seem to want the club to fail. This is a confused approach, since following this logic leads to exactly the opposite of what we all want: staying in the Championship.”

The statement also called on supporters to back the team with Championship survival still possible following the victory against Middlesbrough.

“We have 9 games left in which we have to get 6 points more than our competitors,” it continued.

The team just got 7 points out of 3 games.

“We still have the chance to make it happen with the support of the fans until the very last game. We must believe it is still possible. Every football fan knows the 12th man is a crucial factor in the success on the pitch.”