Blackpool fans have described the decision to remove a statue of club legend Stan Mortensen from outside Bloomfield Road as "utterly disgraceful".

Supporters had been planning to lay tributes to Mortensen during protests against the board this weekend as it marks the 62nd anniversary of the striker's hat-trick in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

However, the statue has since been removed, with the League One-bound club so far refusing to comment on their reasoning behind the decision.

Fan group Tangerine Knights have slammed the move and believe that it proves that their protests are starting to get to under-fire chairman Karl Oyston.

"I think the removal of the statue is too coincidental with the timing of the planned protest at the weekend," Tangerine Knights spokesperson Stephen Smith told PA.

"The removal of it is utterly disgraceful. Karl Oyston knew that we had plans to lay memorabilia at the foot of the statue given that it was the 62nd anniversary of Mortensen's hat-trick at Wembley.

"Karl's said it doesn't affect him, I think it's very clear now that the protests are getting to him. Our ultimate aim therefore is to remove him from power from the club and we'll continue to protest until that happens."

Blackpool, whose relegation was confirmed earlier this month, will face Huddersfield Town on the final day of the Championship season this Saturday.