Why Are Sheffield Wednesday Fans Boycotting the EFL Cup Match?

Sheffield Wednesday fans have expressed their discontent with the club's ownership by boycotting recent matches, resulting in thousands of empty seats at Hillsborough during the Carabao Cup second-round tie against Leeds United. The protest stems from ongoing issues with delayed wages and sanctions from the English Football League (EFL), leading supporters to take a stand against owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Last updated: 16 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Thousands of Sheffield Wednesday fans boycotted the match against Leeds United.
• The protests are a response to ongoing issues with club ownership and delayed wages.
• Supporters have organised various demonstrations, including a mock funeral procession.
• The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust has encouraged donating ticket money to charity instead of attending matches.
• Attendance at Hillsborough was significantly impacted, with Leeds fans outnumbering home supporters.

The Background of the Protests

The protests by Sheffield Wednesday fans against owner Dejphon Chansiri have intensified this season. Since the start of the Championship campaign, supporters have voiced their frustrations over the management and financial state of the club. Issues surrounding timely wage payments have been a recurrent theme, with players reportedly not receiving their salaries on time for three consecutive months.

In addition to the financial struggles, the club has faced sanctions from the EFL, further aggravating the situation. These developments have led to an environment of distrust and dissatisfaction among the fanbase, as many fear for the future of their beloved club.

Protests Taking Shape

The discontent has manifested in various forms of protest. Early in the season, during their Championship opener against Leicester, fans displayed a banner that read "Enough is Enough," clearly conveying their frustration. More recently, a mock funeral procession took place, featuring a coffin symbolising "the death of the football club" as a dramatic representation of their concerns.

The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust has taken a proactive stance by encouraging fans to boycott matches. They proposed that supporters donate their ticket money to the Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity instead. This initiative seeks to redirect the funds toward a noble cause while demonstrating the fans' discontent with the club's current management.

Attendance at Hillsborough

The boycotts have had a noticeable impact on match attendance. During the Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United, Hillsborough saw a significant number of empty seats. BBC Radio 5 live commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball noted the stark contrast in support, highlighting that the Leeds fans, numbering around 3,000, may have outnumbered the home supporters.

With the North and East stands closed for the match, the only active section for home fans was the lower tier of the South Stand. This stark visual of empty seats served as a powerful statement against the club's ownership and the prevailing issues.

Mixed Feelings Among Fans

This internal conflict showcases the complexity of the situation, as fans grapple with their loyalty to the club versus their dissatisfaction with its management. The protests have sparked discussions about the future of Sheffield Wednesday and its ownership, with many questioning whether Chansiri intends to sell the club.

What Lies Ahead for Sheffield Wednesday?

The current situation at Sheffield Wednesday raises several questions about the club's future. As protests continue and attendance dwindles, the pressure on owner Dejphon Chansiri is expected to increase. Supporters are eager to see changes that will restore their faith in the club's leadership and secure a more stable financial situation.

What happens next will depend on the responses from both the club and its supporters. Will Chansiri address the concerns raised by fans, or will the protests escalate further? As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Hillsborough and how the club navigates these turbulent times.

FAQs

What are the reasons behind the protests by Sheffield Wednesday fans?

The protests are primarily due to dissatisfaction with club owner Dejphon Chansiri, issues with delayed wage payments, and sanctions from the EFL impacting the club's operations.

How has the attendance at Hillsborough been affected?

Attendance has significantly dropped, with thousands of empty seats during the Carabao Cup match against Leeds United, as many fans chose to boycott the game in protest.

What actions have the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust taken?

The Supporters' Trust has urged fans to boycott matches and instead donate their ticket money to charity, specifically the Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity, as a way to protest against the club's management.

Are all fans in agreement with the protests?

No, there are mixed feelings among fans. Some support the protests, while others feel conflicted about wanting to support the team while also being dissatisfied with the ownership.

What could happen next for Sheffield Wednesday?

The future of the club depends on the actions taken by owner Dejphon Chansiri in response to the protests, as well as the ongoing support and actions from the fanbase.

As Sheffield Wednesday navigates these challenges, the call for change is more apparent than ever. Will the club find a resolution that satisfies its dedicated supporters? #SheffieldWednesday #FootballProtests #EFL