fbpx
Connect with us

Championship

Wrexham make U-turn on banning Sheffield Wednesday protest banner from being displayed inside stadium

Wrexham make a U-turn on banning the Sheffield Wednesday protest banner from being displayed inside their stadium amid backlash online.

Wrexham fans urged their club reconsider preventing Sheffield Wednesday supporters from displaying the a “SWFC for Sale – Enough is Enough” banner in the away end for this weekend’s game.

This banner is in protest towards owner Dejphon Chansiri, part of recent displays during defeat to Stoke and Leicester.

Issues under Chansiri involve embargoes, manager exits, and stadium problems.

In support with Wednesday fans, Wrexham supporters recalled their 2004 near-bankruptcy and explained why it was important to oppose the ban.

The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust have said: “We’ve been trying to arrange for the banners used at Leicester to also be displayed at Wrexham this weekend. Unfortunately, we’ve been informed that this will not be permitted, as the banners are considered to carry ‘political connotations’.

“However, we’ve been advised that displaying the banners outside the stadium – including outside the turnstiles or along the route to the ground – is permitted, and you will not be challenged before entering.

“The staff we’ve dealt with have been friendly and helpful throughout, and have wished us well.

“We’d also like to thank the many Wrexham fans who have reached out in support. @Wrexham_AFC”

The Wrexham Supporters Trust also issued a statement: “More than most, Wrexham supporters understand the devastating impact poor ownership can have on a football club’s survival. Just 14 years ago, our fans raised over £100,000 in a single day to save Wrexham from expulsion from the Football Conference, after years of mismanagement had brought us to our knees.

“Today, Sheffield Wednesday find themselves in a similar situation; a proud, historic club brought to the brink by its owner. This week, Wednesday fans sought permission from Wrexham AFC to display a banner calling for Dejphon Chansiri to sell their club.

“The Trust was disappointed to learn that this request has been refused, with the Club citing “political connotations” in the Owls supporters’ message. Given our history, and the solidarity shown to us in our darkest days, we believe this is the wrong decision.

“On behalf of our members, the wider Wrexham fanbase and Sheffield Wednesday supporters, we call on the Club to reconsider. Tomorrow should be an opportunity for fans of both sides to stand together – united in the belief that football clubs belong to their communities, not to owners who bring them to the brink of ruin.”

But following backlash, an update was given by Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust, who write: “Following further correspondence with Wrexham ( @Wrexham_AFC ), we’re pleased to confirm that the banner will now be displayed in the lower tiers tomorrow.

“We thank Wrexham for their understanding, and we’re grateful to all the fans who spoke out in support.

“For the Wednesdayites heading to Wrexham: we’ve been told to expect vocal support from the home fans. Let’s turn the away end into a sea of black and yellow.

“Bring your banners, balloons, inflatables – anything in the protest colours. Black and gold til it’s sold. Chansiri out. #SWFC #EnoughisEnough #WxmAFC”

The club said: “Wrexham AFC can confirm that, following an internal review and consultation with the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust, the Wrexham Supporters Trust and other stakeholders, the Club is supportive of the display of a large banner in a safe and appropriate way in the away supporters’ section at our match against Sheffield Wednesday.

“As a Club whose own survival has depended on the actions of our supporters, we remain committed to listening to fans and ensuring that community and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.

“We look forward to welcoming both sets of supporters and wish everyone attending tomorrow’s game a safe and enjoyable matchday. 🔴⚪ #WxmAFC”

Here’s how fans reacted before Wrexham decided to make a U-turn on banning a Sheffield Wednesday protest banner from being displayed inside the stadium…

@mad4movieswxm: Disappointed in our club for this, us fans though support you 100%. We know exactly what its like to have rogue owners, and will never forget the misery they put us through. People like Chansiri (and Hamilton Guterman/Moss, Roberts in our case) should never be allowed near clubs

@Chris_De_Burger: Disappointed to read this, unfortunately there are definitely some jobsworths within the leadership team of our club. That said our fanbase will always stand shoulder to shoulder with fellows fans who’s clubs are in crisis to through bad owners. #GoldAndBkack

@RichWXM: Shame the club have taken that stance but the fans will back you 100% #FansUnited 💪🏻

@beardywxm: @Wrexham_AFC give over, don’t forget our history, let these lads bring in their banners and fight the good fight to save their beloved club, wasn’t all that long ago we were in this position.

@SpoonMcboon: @VancityReynolds You and Rob are well aware of the troubles we had with owners killing our club before you Rob came along, Let the Wednesday fans display their banners

@Craigydlyd: That’s a shame the club have taken that stance. The fans will be with you. I will be wearing my black and gold shirt on Saturday. Wrexham 🤝 Wednesday

@gavlea82: Disappointed to hear this as a Wrexham Fan. I can assure you that you’ll have full backing of all the home fans on Saturday.

@breadbin_swfc: You can imagine the voice over on the TV show. “Next Wrexham welcomed Sheffield Wednesday, a 158 year old club who incredibly don’t have their own multi-national media tie-in and so have decided to go bust. But Rob and Ryan take the players minds off it with hilarious japes”

@capaled: Really disappointed that you are not allowed to take it into the ground but us Wrexham fans are in solidarity with you in your cause in trying to get your club sold to a new owner

@Guy050760: As Wrexham fans we are very supportive of your protest and would love you to take direct action during the game to receive more publicity to your plight. I can’t speak on behalf of the club and perhaps they received legal advice regarding the banners but it’s very disappointing

@BarryWxm: Disappointed but not surprised unfortunately. Our fans are on your side!

@tatters68: Not for one second, as a Wrexham fan, do I agree with this. We feel your pain and will support you throughout. Bring your banners, you will be welcomed completely!! We shouldn’t stand for shite owners, especially at massive clubs like Wednesday.

@PDXWrex: I may support Wrexham on the pitch, but you have my support off the field. All fans everywhere fighting to save their beloved team from horrible owners and bad management have my total support. Fight on Sheffield Wed fans!

@keevs_89: It’s things like this that make other fans dislike us even more. The club has been there itself, surely they can recognise this? We are so incompetent in areas off the pitch. #WxmAFC 🔴⚪️

@GazTrow: Let them have the banner @Wrexham_AFC there is nothing political about it. We have been in that same position when we as fans and support of other fans saved our club for the good days. Let’s support @swfc fans and get this crook out #ChansiriOut

@RussJ0nes: Disgusting decision by the club. Forgetting our roots and everything we have stood for in the past to get to where we are today. @Wrexham_AFC

@veggiekrays: I’m confused as to what wanting our owner out has to do with politics. Is it the hashtag? I can see #EnoughIsEnough being used for politics. But not in our case 🤔

@cmjones49: Use your voices…. “Chansiri OUT”. I’m sure you will get plenty of Wrexham fans behind you with that one!

@BillMeacock: Poor from our club high ups…can only apologise @SWFCTrust . We’ve been in the same boat not all that long back & I’m sure vast majority of longer term Wrexham fans fully support your attempt to get rid of your owner & hopefully get a competent replacement

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Championship