Leeds United‘s Championship rivals’ owner ‘withdraws money’ and criticizes fans amid team crisis
Dejphon Chansiri, the owner of Leeds United’s Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday, has said he will not invest any more money in the South Yorkshire teams because insults from fans ‘stepped the line.’
Since gaining promotion via the League One play-offs, the Owls have yet to win a league game. They have only two points after draws with Leeds and Middlesbrough.
Promotion-winning manager Darren Moore left the club on the eve of the season, causing dissatisfaction that has only grown as Wednesday’s league run has continued.
It prompted Chansiri to give a stunning statement on Friday in which he addressed the club’s funding, criticism of him, ticket pricing, requests for him to go, and a slew of other issues.
Leeds United’s Championship rivals’ owner ‘withdraws money’ and criticizes fans amid team crisis
“Hello to all Sheffield Wednesday fans,” it said. I’ve been thinking about making this statement for a while, and it’s really difficult for me to do something I never thought I’d have to do. But, in the end, I believe it is time to express what I feel compelled to say before it is too late.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank all of the fans who have shown such loyalty to the club over the past nine years or so since I arrived at Sheffield Wednesday.” There has been joy and grief; in moments of joy, we have shared it with one another, and in times of sorrow, we have supported one another. We are not in a good position in the table right now, and I feel that supporters have the right to vent their ideas, talk from the heart, and say whatever they want about football.
“That is the game’s nature, which I always respect.” However, I feel there are limits to balancing the interests of the club and all other stakeholders. Fans can complain, criticize, express strong or balanced ideas, and say whatever they want. But no one has the right to cross the line or to try to inflict harm, throw insults, or go to my family, as has happened recently and which I cannot allow. This is currently too much. I have always welcomed constructive debate and thought, which is wonderful, but I can assure those who have directly contacted me with insults, as well as my family, that I will never accept this.
“The club has found ways to improve and make things better and develop as much as we can, in all areas. However, it is not possible for the club to do things alone. For example, some fans have said the ticket price is too high. I have explained this many times in forums. For example, the prices can be lower if we have enough guaranteed volume and that is a win-win situation, for the club and the fans. It is the same for the price of the shirts, exactly the same principle. The price can be lower if the sale volume is higher. We must look for solutions – it is no use thinking of just one side, we must think of and help each other. I lose a lot of money each year and we must try and balance as much as we can.
“We launched the Community Engagement Scheme for any fans who find it difficult to attend games, and a number of supporters have taken advantage of it.” Unfortunately, for some who have historically not attended games, the pricing structures have been used to attack the club without the intention of attending themselves, even when rates were cheaper.
“Some fans believe I am the custodian, not the owner. Who says they were born here and will die here? I was not born here, and I will most likely not die here, but one thing I can guarantee is that I will always give my best for Wednesday. Even though I’ve been involved for less than ten years, my affection for our club is no greater or lesser than anyone else’s. To those attempting to cause trouble and harm the club, I question, “What have you done that is good for your club, and why are you attempting to harm it?” What are you doing on your end if I’m such a poor owner? We all love Sheffield Wednesday, and I am both a fan and the owner, who must love and care for the club more than anyone else due to my role as chairman.
“I must accept responsibility for everything at the club, including financial support, which I always do.” However, I will no longer contribute to the club. If you claim to be the owner and I am the caretaker, please show me how to be a good owner and save your club. You want me to leave but also spend money? If you want me to go, show me how to run the club and how to invest the money first. You have no right to request that I leave. I am the one who saved the club and spent the money for the club, and I am the one who must pay roughly £2m every month on average. Some fans need to show more respect for club owners and stop being so selfish, thinking only of themselves and not doing anything positive for the team. This is unacceptable, and as a result, I am unwilling to infuse additional funds while being treated unfairly by those followers.
“During these trying times, the club needs everyone’s help. There are good periods and bad times in football. It is simple to rejoice in good times, but we must also help one another in bad times. I believe it is currently too much, with some people over the line. For example, as a club, we have made numerous remarks regarding the behaviour of supporters, and those who have violated the rules may face fines from the FA.
“Some clubs have been fined up to £100,000 for breaking the regulations and of course this is something we do not wish to see at Sheffield Wednesday. Coming onto the pitch at the end of the game against Peterborough, throwing objects onto the pitch against Middlesbrough, these situations can cost clubs a lot of money which again is my responsibility.
