ANDY Todd today said a huge 'thank-you' to all Blackburn Rovers fans for standing by him during one of the most traumatic weeks of his professional career.

Todd admitted he was stunned by the standing ovation he received before and after last night's game against Crystal Palace as supporters gave him their full backing following his mauling by the national Press.

The 30-year-old defender has been lambasted for his clash with Arsenal's Robin van Persie during the closing stages of Saturday's stormy FA Cup semi-final in Cardiff.

Today, the FA's disciplinary panel will sit in Manchester to decide whether Todd is guilty of violent conduct, which could lead to a lengthy ban for the former Charlton and Bolton player.

But the fans made it clear they are fully behind Todd with an unswerving show of support last night, and the Rovers skipper appreciated the gesture as he lead his team to Premiership safety.

"Over the last few days the club has had stick, I've had stick, and even the fans have had stick in the press but we all pulled together (last night)," said Todd.

"It was quite emotional, to be honest. I don't think I've had a reception like that for a long time.

"I just want to say thank you to them for the way they've stood by me.

"The fans have been different class with me and they were different class at Cardiff, so for the press to have a go at them is an absolute joke.

"We took a good following there and they made more noise than the Arsenal fans so they were outstanding, and they were again last night."

In a bizarre twist, Todd won't be allowed to defend himself at today's hearing in Manchester.

Because the FA have fast-tracked the case, Todd is not entitled to a personal hearing which means Rovers will not have a representative there to argue the defender's corner.

However, Todd feels the case has already been predjudiced anyway due to the media coverage over the last few days.

"I think I've been found guilty before I got charged," said Todd.

"Some of the stuff that was said in the press about it was a joke, and in fact some of it was libellous.

"To be called a thug and an idiot in some of the papers is ridiculous.

"I said straight away it was an accident but maybe people are judging me on my past because they've pulled my past up again over the last few days.

"I think I've been sent off three times in my career and I've had five yellow cards this season, but I seem to have been found guilty before I've been charged through the press."