Sheffield Wednesday’s turbulent summer reached a new twist when their young side produced a stunning Carabao Cup upset against Leeds United, despite ongoing protests against owner Dejphon Chansiri.
For weeks, supporters have voiced their anger over unpaid wages, financial sanctions, and what they see as the mismanagement of the club. Demonstrations, boycotts, and even symbolic funeral marches have dominated the headlines, leaving the fanbase fractured and Hillsborough under a cloud of unrest.
Against this backdrop, the Owls’ patched-up squad featuring only 12 senior players and a starting lineup with nine aged 20 or under showed remarkable unity and defiance. With an average age of just 21, they matched their Premier League neighbours stride for stride, holding Leeds to a 1-1 draw before winning 3-0 in the penalty shootout.
The result was even more striking given the atmosphere in the stands. Large sections of the ground were empty as thousands of supporters boycotted the fixture, following calls from the supporters’ trust to withhold attendance and donate ticket money to charity instead. The reduced crowd meant Leeds’ travelling fans often out-sang the home contingent, creating an unusual dynamic at Hillsborough.
Yet for those inside the stadium, the sense of pride in the young players was unmistakable. The squad, drawn from the academy and fringe players, displayed togetherness and resilience in the face of adversity. Many supporters felt torn between backing the players and continuing the protest against the hierarchy, with some attending matches solely to collect loyalty points for away fixtures where larger demonstrations are being staged.
The growing movement against Chansiri shows no sign of slowing. The “Enough is Enough” banner at the Championship opener was just the beginning, with further action escalating week by week. Fans argue that the owner’s handling of the club has plunged Wednesday into crisis, while others worry that boycotts risk undermining support for the players on the pitch.
Still, the victory over Leeds offered a reminder of what Sheffield Wednesday represents beyond boardroom politics: passion, unity, and resilience. In a season overshadowed by division and discontent, the Carabao Cup win served as a moment of defiance both for the young players who stepped up against the odds and for the fans who continue to demand change.
