Sullivan: I'm out of here - Birmingham’s owners set to quit as fans turn nasty over relegation

The duo claimed in the aftermath that they were considering their positions in the wake of the abuse as a stirring display on the pitch proved insufficient to quell the growing tide of discontent that swept through Blues' fans during two hours in which they experienced every emotion possible.

The game was evenly balanced going into the final quarter — Morten Gamst Pederson's early second-half strike had wiped out David Murphy's long-range effort just after the half-hour — when trouble flared.

But then a group of supporters strode along the gangway underneath the directors' box before turning on Messrs Sullivan and Gold and a clearly petrified managing director Karren Brady.

Chants of "Where's the money gone?" perhaps explained why. With chairman David Gold holding an impromptu press conference to explain the events, it was clear the divisions that the directors themselves created earlier this season over a botched attempt to sell the club to Carson Yeung came back to haunt them in an unequivocal outpouring.

Two late goals from Cameron Jerome and an extra-time header by Fabrice Muamba ended any hope Blackburn had of squeezing themselves into next season's InterToto Cup at Aston Villa's expense.

But with a line of police protecting the home directors it was clear that feelings were still running high.

Chairman David Gold said: "I understand the disappointment of relegation. We have been there on a number of occasions before.Indeed, we were relegated two seasons ago.

"But never have I seen such a large section of fans being so abusive. I could see the hatred in their eyes. You could almost excuse the chants of: "Board out, board out". If I wasn't chairman, I'd probably be joining them.

"But the verbal attacks were venomous and unpleasant. I couldn't tell you now what they were saying. Or how many it was. It was more than a handful. I could just see the hatred on their faces.

"David Sullivan's two boys were in the directors' box. We had to get them out of the way because for a moment we felt they were in real danger."

Sullivan was far more upset. His two sons, David Junior, 8, and Jack, 6, were in tears and his offer was certainly more open — and as emotional as his business partner's.

"The fans came up to me and called me all sorts,' he said. 'These people don't know anything about business and nothing about football. I've had enough.

"I don't want to be here next season. All those who want a share in it can buy it, like what happened to Ebbsfleet.

"In fact, this is a message for David Gold. Please buy me out. There's five or six clubs out there who welcome me with open arms. It's time to find a new club."

Proceedings had started in almost laughable fashion. Then the emotions, in hronological order ranged through hope, expectation, resignation, anger and finally back to good old gallows humour.

James McFadden, who never off gave the appearance of a man that had shaken off the effects of an operation on his knee six weeks ago, felt his calf muscle tighten and was a late withdrawal.

Jerome had stomped off home in a huff after being told he was not in the 16. However, club officials managed to locate the striker and call him back to the substitutes' bench with young Argentine Mauro Zarate promoted in his absence. News that Reading were beating Derby had not dampened the enthusiasm during a first-half in which, one superb goalline clearance from Stephen Kelly apart, Birmingham held the upper hand.

They were undoubtedly helped towards their interval lead when Brad Friedel allowed Murphy's speculative long-range shot through his fingers.

Shortly after the re-start, with the Royals now having established a two-goal lead, came a body blow closer to home.

Skipper Damien Johnson stood on the ball just outside his own area and it was eventually worked to Jason Roberts. Maik Taylor saved twice before the ball rebounded to Roque Santa Cruz who showed the presence of mind to sweep sidewards for Pedersen to fire into the net.

As everyone became pre-occupied with goings-on off the pitch, Jerome missed from two yards after Murphy presented him with an open goal, two yards out. With the Tilton Road End still scratching its head at that one, the England Under 21 international produced a superb finish on the full from Seb Larsson's pass.

Gary McSheffrey sent the striker clean through with one minute to go to wrap up the victory. And Mehdi Nafti's cross was nodded into the top corner by Muamba as the Blues found a way finally to win a match at home after surrendering the lead on no less than six other occasions in front of their own supporters this season.

And the humour? 'Four-one to the Championship,' sang the home support.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Kelly, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Murphy, Larsson, Muamba, Johnson, Kapo, Forssell, Zarate.

Subs: Doyle, Nafti, McSheffrey, Parnaby, Jerome.

Blackburn: Friedel, Reid, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Bentley, Emerton, Vogel, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, Roberts.

Subs: Brown, Kerimoglu, McCarthy, Khizanishvili, Dunn.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)