Shay Given believes Charlton fans took their protests too far at the weekend when they staged a mock funeral outside the Valley.

The “funeral procession”, which saw a coffin displaying the club badge carried towards the stadium, was the latest in a long line of protests organised by angry supporters.

On the same day hundreds of inflatable balls were thrown on to the pitch as Charlton took on Middlesbrough, while a mass walkout took place in the second half despite the Addicks leading 1-0.

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Given, who played over 350 games for Newcastle, has suggested that different tactics should be adopted as fans look to force owner Roland Duchatelet to sell the club.

The Stoke goalkeeper told Sky Sports: “Mike Ashley has recently backed the manager and backed the club.

“I think they’ve spent £80m this year alone on new players, so the fans are a little bit happier at Newcastle.

“But that’s not the case at Charlton.

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“They took it a bit too far with the coffin down the street.

“They are clearly unhappy for whatever reason but it’s a big ask to move out an owner and there must be different avenues they can use to get their message across.”

Given, 39, joined Stoke in the summer but is yet to play a league game for the club.

Last night Charlton released a statement in response to the protests and called on fans to support the team with their survival hopes renewed after the 2-0 win over Boro.