Inter Milan fans protested against their team's disappointing season today by boycotting the derby fixture with AC Milan.

The section of the San Siro stadium designated for Inter fans was sparsely populated and there were none of the colourful flags of the ultra groups.

The fans had however placed some black and white banners with messages sprayed on for the players -- the most prominent declaring: "We aren't here - because you never have been".

Inter fans have been protesting against the club since their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Spain's Villarreal and last weekend two players were attacked by fans at Malpensa airport.

Captain Javier Zanetti and midfielder Cristiano Zanetti were kicked and punched as they went towards their car after returning from the Serie A victory at Ascoli.

Yesterday Inter owner Massimo Moratti, who has been in charge of the club since 1995, said that he was ready to listen to offers from potential buyers.

Inter have not won the Serie A title since 1989 and in Moratti's 11 years in charge of the club they have won only the UEFA Cup and the Italian Cup.