Sheffield Wednesday fans have united in a vociferous protest against club owner Dejphon Chansiri, calling for his exit as they express deep concern over the current state of the club. During the opening weekend of the Championship season, supporters gathered outside Leicester City's King Power Stadium, where a plane circled with a banner reading "Dejphon Chansiri Out." Inside the stadium, banners across empty seats further conveyed their message demanding the owner's resignation.

Chansiri, who purchased the club in 2015 with ambitions of a Premier League return, has faced intense criticism over his management, which has led to a decline in the club's fortunes. Fans are increasingly worried about the club's financial health, citing late payments to HMRC, delayed salaries for players and staff, and a transfer embargo. Many supporters, some of whom have been following the club for decades, describe the current situation as the worst period in their experience, fearing that the club could cease to exist altogether.

The protests, characterized as "good-natured" but deeply felt, highlight the frustration and anxiety among the fanbase. Supporters have expressed that Chansiri's lack of engagement and transparency has contributed to their dissatisfaction. The chairman of the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust, Ian Bennett, articulated that the situation is "killing the club" and emphasized the unity among fans who are desperate for change.

Compounding the issues, the club has seen significant turnover in management, with head coach Danny Rohl and most of his staff departing. The North Stand at Hillsborough is closed due to structural concerns, and players have reportedly issued notices due to unpaid wages. Amidst this turmoil, the supporters' trust is exploring the possibility of establishing a "phoenix club" as a contingency plan should the situation worsen.

As Sheffield Wednesday faces these daunting challenges, the introduction of an independent football regulator later this year offers a glimmer of hope for fans wishing for better governance in the sport. Nevertheless, the immediate future of the club hinges on finding a credible buyer for Wednesday and alleviating the financial distress that has plagued it under Chansiri's ownership. The passionate demonstrations reflect the resilient spirit of the fanbase, who continue to hope for a brighter future for their beloved club.