Blackburn's adviser criticised for outspoken views

The man hired as Blackburn's global adviser by the club's Indian owners has been criticised for his outspoken views about its manager and star player.

Shebby Singh, a former Malaysia defender, referred to Norway midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen as a "pensioner" and said manager Steve Kean would be fired if Blackburn lost its first three games in the League Championship following relegation from the Premier League.

Singh has apologized but Blackburn's players have been left upset by his comments.

England's Professional Football Association said on Thursday "we share their considerable disappointment that anyone connected to Blackburn Rovers would make such disrespectful comments."

Blackburn's owners, the Asian poultry giant Venky's, have been strongly condemned by large sections of fans for the way they've run the club since taking over in November 2010.