When Dejphon Chansiri, a Thai businessman, took over Sheffield Wednesday in 2015, few imagined the club would end up battling relegation and a crowd‑level protest in the Championship. On , during a Championship matchHillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, a handful of supporters stormed the pitch, forcing a five‑minute pause. The pitch invasion was a clear signal: fans want Chansiri out before the season ends.
Why the protest mattered
The timing was no accident. Sheffield Wednesday sits at the very bottom of the EFL Championship, having amassed just 11 points from 13 games. Their recent 5‑0 drubbing by Coventry City only amplified the sense of doom. But the protest wasn’t just about a single loss; it was a culmination of months of financial turmoil, delayed wage payments and EFL sanctions that have left the squad scrambling for resources.
Financial woes and EFL sanctions
In July 2025, the English Football League slapped Sheffield Wednesday with a transfer embargo after the club failed to pay staff wages on time, owing roughly £1.2 million in back‑pay. The league also imposed a cap on their spending, limiting weekly wage bills to £300,000 until the debt is cleared. Those figures aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re why the team can’t bring in fresh talent and why the dressing‑room morale has eroded.
The organized nature of the demonstration
Club officials admitted extra security was stationed around the field before kickoff, anticipating a fan‑led disruption. When about a dozen people slipped past the barriers ten minutes into the first half, stewards moved quickly, but the damage was already done: television cameras caught every moment, and social media lit up with the hashtag #ChansiriOut. One supporter, identified only as "Mike", told reporters, "We’ve tried petitions, we’ve tried marches, but until someone steps onto the grass we won’t be heard."
Reactions from the club, fans and authorities
Sheffield Wednesday issued a terse statement on Twitter, noting that "a number of supporters have entered the field of play and the referee has temporarily paused the game." No executive comment was given on the ownership issue. Meanwhile, South Yorkshire Police declined to comment on potential arrests, but sources say no one was detained.
Impact on the match and league standings
Coventry City’s dominance was unsurprising; they had already secured 22 points from the same number of fixtures. The 5‑0 scoreline pushed Sheffield Wednesday deeper into the relegation zone, now three points behind the safety threshold. The brief stoppage didn’t alter the outcome, but it certainly added another layer to the club’s crisis narrative, prompting EFL chairperson Richard Masters to remind owners that “fan welfare and club stability go hand in hand.”
What’s next for Sheffield Wednesday?
Within days, the Supporters Trust scheduled a meeting with Chansiri’s representatives, demanding an immediate share sale or a structured exit plan. Insider reports suggest a potential consortium, led by former Premier League executive John Smith, is circling the club. If a deal materialises before the January transfer window, the embargo could be lifted, allowing the Owls to bring in reinforcements.
Historical context: ownership woes at Hillsborough
Sheffield Wednesday’s ownership saga isn’t new. Prior to Chansiri, the club endured a series of short‑lived CEOs and failed take‑overs, each promising financial revival that never fully materialised. The 2022‑23 season saw a short‑lived partnership with a local investment group that collapsed after a £2 million loan default. The pattern of instability has eroded the fanbase’s trust, making the recent pitch invasion feel like the latest chapter in a longer story of frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the pitch invasion at Hillsborough?
Supporters stormed the field to protest owner Dejphon Chansiri and demand his resignation, citing unpaid wages, an EFL‑imposed transfer embargo and the club’s last‑place standing.
How has the EFL responded to Sheffield Wednesday’s financial issues?
The league placed a spending cap of £300,000 per week on wages and barred new signings until the club clears roughly £1.2 million in overdue staff wages.
Did any arrests occur after the fans entered the pitch?
No arrests were reported. South Yorkshire Police said they were assessing the incident but had not taken anyone into custody.
What are the possible outcomes for Chansiri’s ownership?
Analysts suggest a share‑sale could be arranged before the January window, perhaps to a consortium led by former Premier League executive John Smith, which would lift the embargo and allow new player acquisitions.
How might the protest affect Sheffield Wednesday’s next match?
With heightened security and intensified media scrutiny, the club may face further disruptions. However, the team’s immediate priority will be to avoid another heavy defeat and stay clear of the relegation zone.