Southend United match with Eastleigh disrupted by tennis ball protest
- Published
Southend United were given a 10-point penalty by the National League over their tax debt
Southend United's National League game against Eastleigh was briefly halted as fans threw tennis balls on the pitch in a protest against owner Ron Martin.
The incident occurred in the 10th minute of Friday's match - referencing the 10-point penalty handed to the club two days ago 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.
Southend started the game at home to Eastleigh at the bottom of the National League table on minus four points and fans chanted "We want Martin out" as the protest began.
The club have total debts of £2.5m and have been given until 4 October 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 finalised next month.
Goals from Noor Husin and Harry Cardwell gave the Shrimpers a 2-0 victory.