Sheffield Wednesday fans are planning their most visible protest yet against owner Dejphon Chansiri ahead of the club’s final home match of the season against Portsmouth on Saturday.
Following a series of smaller demonstrations, the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust (SWST) has announced plans for a symbolic ‘funeral march’ to take place before kick-off at Hillsborough. The protest is the latest expression of growing unrest among fans, who have accused Chansiri of mismanaging the club amid financial struggles and repeated controversies.
The march will begin in Sheffield city centre at midday, starting from the Adelphi Hotel—where The Wednesday Football Club was originally founded in 1867—and will pass local landmarks including the Crucible Theatre before arriving at Hillsborough Park. Supporters will then continue on to the stadium from 2pm.
Fans have been asked to wear yellow and black, the colours adopted by the protest movement, and bring balloons to enhance visibility. A further demonstration is expected inside the ground during the game, with leaflets set to be handed out to supporters.
“As fans, none of us want our club to die in 2025. If you think that this can’t happen to Sheffield Wednesday, we would urge fans to listen to the WTID podcast… The similarities [to Reading’s crisis] are frightening,” said a statement from the Supporters’ Trust.
“We need buyers to come forward now as this club is imploding. Most of all, we need the owner to sell the club. If it comes to a fight for Wednesday’s survival, let’s not leave it to everyone else. Join in.”
Frustration towards Chansiri has intensified since the club missed player wage payments in March due to reported cashflow problems. Despite currently sitting 13th in the Championship table, off-field issues have overshadowed Sheffield Wednesday’s season.
A recent survey conducted by the SWST found that 94% of the 5,000 fans polled want Chansiri to sell the club. The Trust has also experienced a surge in membership in recent months as pressure on the Thai businessman mounts.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, travel to Hillsborough having secured their Championship safety following a 1-0 win over Watford on Easter Monday. The match marks their final away game of the season, with little riding on the outcome for John Mousinho’s side—but the atmosphere is expected to be tense.
Writer’s View
This protest isn’t just theatre—it’s a cry of desperation. Sheffield Wednesday fans fear their club is on a downward spiral with eerie parallels to Reading’s recent collapse. While results on the pitch offer brief relief, the real battle is off it. If Chansiri won’t sell, the pressure from supporters may be the only remaining catalyst for change.
