Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet was allegedly forced to sneak out of the club this morning to avoid protesting fans.

News of the Belgian millionaire’s arrival in SE7 instigated an impromptu gathering from supporters.

The fans were initially locked out of the ground and security told News Shopper they were unable to let the group in.

However, the supporters – carrying a huge anti-Duchatelet banner – were then allowed to pose in front of the West Stand where numerous protests have already been staged this season.

Duchatelet was believed to be at the Valley holding crunch talks with CEO Katrien Meire following the club’s relegation to League One.

News Shopper was told the owner, along with Meire and other senior members, left the Valley to continue talks in central London.

But with fans outside the usual exit, a source says Duchatelet and his team decided to take an alternative route and leave via the Valley Grove car park exit.

The Coalition Against Roland Duchatelet (CARD) have urged fans to turn out for a huge protest this weekend.

A statement read: “They [Duchatelet & Meire] are the reason the club has been relegated. If they had a shred of integrity or self-awareness, they would walk away now.

“We are not interested in their excuses or their plans.

“There will be no collaboration with them, now or in the future. They are the enemy of everything that Charlton has been and will be again."

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