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‘Powerful’ joint statement issued as Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday protest

A ‘powerful’ joint statement has been issued as Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday protest inside Ewood Park before and during the match.

Blackburn fans voted with their feet, while Sheffield Wednesday fans held up flyers from a previous protest with it distributed and held up, with the away end a sea of yellow for Chansiri out.

On April 8th, 2025, the Blackburn Rovers Supporters Trust (“We Are The Rovers”) and the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust issued a joint statement ahead of an EFL fixture between the two clubs, highlighting their shared concerns about football ownership.

The statement, described as “powerful” by fans and observers, reflects growing frustration with the management and long-term stability of both clubs.

For Blackburn Rovers, the trusts pointed to the prolonged absence of the club’s owners from Ewood Park, which they argue has exacerbated ongoing strife both on and off the pitch.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday’s supporters acknowledged a recent resolution regarding delayed player wages but emphasised that this temporary fix does not address deeper, systemic issues threatening the club’s future. Both groups expressed a unified call for greater transparency, accountability, and sustainable stewardship from their respective ownerships.

This joint protest underscores a broader sentiment among the fanbases, who feel neglected by distant or disengaged leadership.

While the statement coincided with a match between the two teams, it was not solely tied to on-field performance but rather to off-field governance, a recurring theme in English football.

The trusts’ collaboration amplifies their message, drawing attention to the need for reform in how clubs are run, a concern echoed by supporters across the sport.

Joint statement of solidarity on chaotic Club Ownerships

“We Are The Rovers (Blackburn Rovers Supporters Trust) and the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust are issuing this joint statement.

“We have significant concerns regarding football ownership. In the case of Blackburn Rovers, our owners have been absent from Ewood for many years which is unhelpful given the present strife and turmoil both on and off field.

“At Sheffield Wednesday, our owner continues to veer from one crisis to another, refusing to implement a proper governance structure and sustainable strategy.

“We believe football clubs deserve owners who are accessible, possess a clear vision for the future, and are willing to engage, listen, and act upon the views of representatives from our supporter communities—the lifeblood of the clubs.

“Football is more than a business. Our clubs are at the heart of their communities and have long histories, being 150 years and 157 years old respectively.

“We proudly unite in delivering a clear message: meet with us, talk with us, listen to us, and work with us. Failure to do so means failing us as owners.

“Together, we stand as Trusts to protect these cherished community institutions, built and revered over generations, ensuring that irresponsible ownership does not extinguish these centuries-old clubs.”

The Championship fixture between Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday ended in a 2-2 draw with Tyrhys Dolan and Yuki Ohashi earning a second-half comeback for the home side.

Chants rant out from fans on both sides against the ownership of their clubs, Rovers at half-time were facing a sixth successive Championship defeat after goals for Wednesday from Yan Valery just past the quarter-hour mark and Djeidi Gassama in the 38th minute.

Blackburn Rovers manager Valerien Ismael speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire:

“We showed a great mentality and we learned from the previous weeks. From two nil down to come back from behind we stopped the bleeding and we take more positives from negatives from that game.

“We said we have to stay calm, but that we had to stay on the front foot and be active and we have to be the first to score the next goal. We got the second. It is a little step but at the moment we take what we can get. We stop the bleeding first and it was a great second half.

“I was not unpleased with what I saw in the first half. We were still in the game and if I tell them to stay calm I have to be the guy who first leads by example. This is what I said to the players to fight our way back.”

“It gives you the confidence that this will be our way in the future. We need to get positivity back on the pitch. We took a first step and the next step is to win a game.”

Owls manager Danny Rohl speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield:

“Of course it is disappointing when you saw the first half because except from the first chance they had I think we controlled the game with some really good football.

“But two-nil is always dangerous with one moment from the home team. When you take all of this game maybe this was the mirror of all season. Maybe we have this and [then] this. But I must say the attitude was there and the mentality.

“We have made a very solid season. When was the last season with this club that you can say there has been no trouble and we have spent most of the season looking up? These are all positives things that we should take.

“As a group we have good performances but individually everyone could step up. But again we have achieved 53 points and that was achieved on the final match day last season. This season we have still five more games to go so let’s try to have a good end of the season.”

Fans reacted amid a ‘powerful’ joint statement issued as Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday protest…

@Markmoorhouse2: Huge club who deserve lots better and have done for Decades. They are so very loyal fanbase it’s so very sad. Better luck swfc fans deserve

@Livvy_McG: Excellent by the away end last night. In fine voice and no where near enough of the leftover protest leaflets for the demand. It is a shame it wasn’t there before, but the new sense of unity in the fan base is clear to see. We must capitalise on this now. #swfc

@aylesburyowl: Heard it a lot well sung #swfc

@teddyatswfc: In turnstile queue at ground, lads handing leaflets out chansiri sell the club, bloke behind says to his mate “not getting involved with all the protest stuff” that’s where the problem is we’re still in a 60/40 split and no way will everyone get on side! Bootlicking wankers #SWFC

@THEsharpey: I love my football club. I love Danny Röhl. I love this set of players & all the frustrations, ups and downs they give us. But Chansiri is putting a massive black cloud over everything. Glad the majority were singing #ChansiriOut tonight but sadly don’t expect that at home #swfc

@GrowlerJon: Keep the pressure on Chansiri at every game home and away #EnoughIsEnough

@scottcain1312: Got to do it at home tonight that away end tonight have been brilliant

@Jacob97106277: Was really loud in the away end tonight chanting against chansiri, needs to be like that at Hillsborough

@scottcain1312: 100% and you could hear it everytime on tele tonight which was brilliant more coverage the better

@Hibkey7: Things you love to see 🟨

@Guesty1406: Get that sung louder boys & girls!!

@djdjfjfjtjrjrhd: Good stuff!!

@matthewtups: Chansiri out. #enoughisenough

@Markmoorhouse2: Brilliant effort again you deserve lots better

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