Sean Bean has today led a delegation of 100 Sheffield United supporters to lobby MPs and outline the purpose of the club's 'campaign for fairness'.

The Blades were relegated from the Premiership last year, but fans of the Yorkshire club believe they should be reinstated after West Ham United were fined rather than deducted points for a rule break.

A Premiership hearing decided that the East London club had broken the league's rules over the signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, but elected to fine the club £5.5 million.

Actor Bean said his case was not with West Ham, or their fans, but with the Premiership panel that decided on the original ruling.

"I think that I am in a position to express my opinion and that of [the] many Sheffield United fans aggrieved by the decision that was made by the original panel.

"We played by the rules, we have done everything right. West Ham, by their own admission, have broken the rules and we have been punished for that.

"I think it is important that I voice my opinion."

The Lord of the Rings star also paid tribute to MPs who had already pledged support to the Blades' campaign and said the delegation would be looking to "solidify that… when we meet in person".

A peaceful protest was also planned in Sheffield.

West Ham ensured their Premiership survival on the final day of the season with a goal from the player at the centre of the disagreement, Carlos Tevez.

Sheffield United were the final-day casualties after failing to beat Wigan Athletic at home; manager Neil Warnock then stepped down.

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