# Southend United Fans Protest Against Owner Ron Martin During National League Match
Southend United’s National League game against Eastleigh was briefly halted when fans threw tennis balls on the pitch in a protest against owner Ron Martin. The incident occurred in the 10th minute of the match, referencing the 10-point penalty handed to the club two days prior over their tax debt.
The punishment followed a High Court ruling to grant the club a final 42-day deadline to avoid being wound up. The Shrimpers have yet to clear debt of £275,000 owed to HM Revenue & Customs. As the match began, fans chanted “We want Martin out” and the protest began.
The club has total debts of £2.5 million and has been given until October 4th to secure the club’s future. Owner and chairman Martin, who has been involved with Southend for more than 25 years, said the sale of the club to an unnamed Australian buyer should be finalized next month.
Goals from Noor Husin and Harry Cardwell gave the Shrimpers a 2-0 victory in the match.
## Southend United’s Financial Struggles
Southend United is a professional football club based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. The club was founded in 1906 and currently plays in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
The club has been struggling financially for some time and has been unable to pay its tax debt of £275,000. This led to a High Court ruling granting the club a final 42-day deadline to avoid being wound up.
The club has total debts of £2.5 million and has been given until October 4th to secure the club’s future. Owner and chairman Ron Martin has been involved with Southend for more than 25 years and said the sale of the club to an unnamed Australian buyer should be finalized next month.
## Fans Protest Against Ron Martin
In response to the financial struggles of Southend United, fans have taken to protesting against owner Ron Martin. During the match against Eastleigh, fans threw tennis balls on the pitch in the 10th minute of the match, referencing the 10-point penalty handed to the club two days prior over their tax debt.
The protest was accompanied by chants of “We want Martin out” and caused a brief halt in play. The incident was quickly dealt with by stewards and police and play resumed shortly after.
## Southend United Victorious Despite Financial Struggles
Despite their financial struggles, Southend United was able to secure a 2-0 victory against Eastleigh thanks to goals from Noor Husin and Harry Cardwell. The win was a much needed boost for the team and their fans, who have been struggling with the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
The win also gave the team some much needed points in their battle against relegation from the National League. With the 10-point penalty, Southend United started the game at home to Eastleigh at the bottom of the National League table on minus four points.
## Conclusion
Southend United’s financial struggles have caused much uncertainty for their fans and players alike. The recent protest against owner Ron Martin is a sign of the fans’ frustration with his handling of the club’s finances.
Despite their financial struggles, Southend United was able to secure a 2-0 victory against Eastleigh thanks to goals from Noor Husin and Harry Cardwell. The win was a much needed boost for the team and their fans, who have been struggling with the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
Owner Ron Martin has said that the sale of the club to an unnamed Australian buyer should be finalized next month. Until then, fans will have to wait and see if this will be enough to save Southend United from financial ruin.