HUNDREDS OF protesting Saints fans who marched through the city yesterday have today been priased by police.

Police estimate there were about 300 at the Bargate while organisers initially claimed closer to 1,000 turned out.

From the Bargate the group marched down past Hanover Buildings, across Hoglands Park and along Kingsway.

They then went into Old Northam Road, over the Iron Bridge and Britannia Road.

Banners carrying angry slogans were waved aloft while others were supporting a paper coffin.

The group, escorted by 35 police officers, met other fans outside St Mary's keen to show their feelings about PLC chairman Rupert Lowe and football board chairman Michael Wilde.

Chants of "Lowe out" and "Rupert has ruined our club" were roared up at the executive boxes.

A police spokesman said of yesterday's march: "Although the fans were very vocal the protest passed off peacefully and without incident."

The struggling Saints side drew 2-2 with Swansea City earning a valuable point as they fight to stay in the Championship.

After the final whistle about 150 fans gathered outside the ground and continued to protest.

The march was organised via a group discussion board on an internet social networking site.

Fans say they are angry the club is in the relegation zone and faces financial problems Mr Lowe was not at the game as he is away on holiday but Mr Wilde was in the directors' box.

Earlier this week the Daily Echo revealed that Mr Wilde had received a death threat from angry fans.

While Saints fans were praised several Swansea fans had to be thrown out during the match for their behaviour and another was arrested for assault at Southampton Central Station after the game at 7.25pm.