Villa protestors will let fly with 2,500 balloons

Aston Villa supporters plan to release 2,500 balloons during Saturday's game with Newcastle United as part of their final protest against owner Randy Lerner.

The Aston Villa Protest Group will also launch 74 beachballs in the 74th minute of the club's final home game of the season in "celebration of the club's supporters."

More than 1,000 fans had already signed up to take part in a pre-game march from The Holte pub to outside the directors' entrance. Details of the mystery #InTheAiron74 protest emerged yesterday.

The group, whose attempted co-ordinated events at recent home games have seen fans walk out early, arrive late and hold up banners.

They claim to have no plans to continue protesting next season, as Villa look to bounce back from the Championship.

Jordan Ayew has, meanwhile, been contacted by the FA and asked for his "observations" after an alleged confrontation with Watford fans.

It came during the dying seconds of Villa's 3-2 defeat at Vicarage Road last Saturday.

The striker was spotted clambering over advertising hoardings and entering the Elton John Stand moments after Troy Deeney's stoppage time winner.