Man behind protest plans speaks out on why action is needed with Sheffield Wednesday fans invading the pitch on the 10th minute.
During the Coventry game, a small group of fans made their way on to the pitch at Hillsborough, with home fans are displaying scarves and telling owner Dejphon Chansiri to leave their club.
There was also a strong backing of support from the Coventry fans, making their feelings clear about Chansiri’s decade of stewardship in no uncertain terms.
The protest was soon dealt with as the players head towards the dugouts. Then game soon got underway again.
Rob Staton (BBC Radio Sheffield): “About four or five have ran onto the pitch, they’re being applauded by the other fans.
“The game had been stopped and the players were taken to the touchline.
“There’s not enough for the game to be abandoned but more and more were joining.
“A few boos from the support but mostly cheers, they’re chanting for Chansiri to leave the club.
“It was a peaceful protest, the Coventry supporters were also cheering it.”
The game ended in a 5-0 win to Coventry, which saw them go top of the table ahead of the 3pm kick offs. A double from Asante-Thomas double, with Wright, Simms and Sakamoto all getting on the scoresheet.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen told BBC Radio Sheffield:
“They’re a very, very strong team and we gave ourselves a difficult beginning by being one down in three minutes.
“I still thought after the second goal we had the belief and we continued, but we didn’t have the clinical level they had, and then the third goal was a clear offside goal and it took the belief out of the team.
“We have to remember that we have to perform at our maximum level every time to get something.
[On the protest] “The general protest I understand, and I’m happy that it didn’t take longer than it did and we could come back to play the game.”
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard told BBC CWR:
“We couldn’t ask for much more from the week with three clean sheets and a lot of goals.
“The circumstances of the game were challenging going into it and I was very aware of that and I wanted the players to be aware of that. The idea you can cruise into a game like this is really dangerous.
“We worked hard and we’ve had a good start now up to this point, and it’s important we keep our feet on the ground, enjoy the moment, because it’s been a good week and rest up and try and continue with this form.
“My message to the players before the game was when you’re playing well you can’t let it go. Top teams take advantage of that and I felt that in the group this week and there you go.
[On the protest] “It allowed us to address a few things with the players and I understand the frustrations of the fans. We all know the basics of what is going on here and I have no problem with it. It was peaceful as such and the game carried on. I have big sympathy for what is going on here.”
@OwlsOnThePitch tweeted: “They say it has to be done anonymously so that’s what we’ll do. On The Pitch. 04/10/25. Coventry (H)
4 months wage defaults
8 Embargoes
14 senior pros
Fee restrictions
Selling our stadium
Danny Röhl mess
£100m losses
Record high ST prices
That’s just half of it…
He’s in hiding, no accountability.
The EFL thinking this is fit and proper.
The boys are trying so incredibly hard and they continue to be strangled our owner. Putting in a shift knowing they won’t be paid. I won’t accept that. You shouldn’t either.
It’s an awfully sad indictment of the club that this won’t cause much outrage. This has become the new normal and we shouldn’t stand for it. We need a new level of protest to show that we won’t stand for it. Hundreds are committed already. Are you with us?
Remember to keep it peaceful. No players, staff, officials involved. Sit in the centre circle until the game’s done. Dejphon Chansiri, Sell the club or the games don’t happen. 10th minute. Owls on the pitch.
Please be respectful of every fan’s choice of how they wish to protest the disgraceful situation we’re in. If you’re joining us, do not leave passionate fellow Wednesdayites out in the cold. There’s strength in numbers. Be peaceful. Send a message.
We’re not here to cause division, we’re here to offer a new option, an option that fans have been wrestling with for months. It’s on every individual as to how they chose to protest, but if you’re with us we need to 100% in. Once one goes we all do.
Morning Owls. There’s nothing left to say other than show strength, show unity in the fanbase. One man is to blame for the unacceptable treatment of the players and staff at the club we love and today we stand up to him.
Keep it peaceful. Be respectful of the players, staff and officials. Today is about directing your anger and frustrations at one man. Bring your scarves and your voices and tell him to sell the club. Don’t leave a man behind, all or nothing, there’s strength in numbers today, let’s show how much we care.”
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