‘Currently in police cells’ – Sheffield Wednesday fans facing the legal consequences after pitch invasion
Sheffield Wednesday supporters are set to face legal action after entering the pitch in their side’s 5-0 defeat to Coventry City in the Championship.
Thanks to Dejphon Chansiri’s failed ownership, the Owls are in financial chaos, and players and staff did not receive their wages once again in September.
Administration is looming for the South Yorkshire club, who also appear increasingly likely to suffer relegation to League One.
Meanwhile, John Textor’s proposed Sheffield Wednesday takeover has hit a stumbling block, meaning that Chansiri is set to remain in position despite his extreme shortcomings.
Sheffield Wednesday fans can expect to find themselves in court, says Keith Hackett
A small number of Sheffield Wednesday supporters entered the pitch at Hillsborough in protest at Chansiri’s severe financial mismanagement during their defeat to Coventry.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider on Saturday, 4 October, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett said: “I am a long standing Sheffield Wednesday fan. It is very sad what is happening with players and staff going unpaid and several key players leaving in the summer.
“The owner, whilst stating the club is up for sale appears to be asking for a price that no one wants to pay. Entering the field of play is a criminal offence, and sadly the small number of fans that planned to go on the pitch and entered the field stopping play will no doubt currently be in police cells, and likely to be facing the Magistrate on Monday morning.
“The coverage by BBC Radio Sheffield on its Football Heaven show has covered the situation in great depth. In the phone ins, the frustration comes through in every interview. The young players, along with their captain, continue to do their best.
“The manager and backroom staff have done a remarkable job given the circumstances. The matter, hopefully, will be resolved, but the club are facing further sanctions from the EFL with a high probability of points deductions.”
Coventry City’s third goal vs Wednesday should not have stood
Sheffield Wednesday fell to a comprehensive defeat to Coventry, although the Sky Blues’ third goal shouldn’t have stood, according to Hackett.
Frank Lampard’s men held a 3-0 half-time lead in South Yorkshire, thanks to Brandon Thomas-Asante’s brace and Haji Wright’s stoppage-time effort.
Hackett told Football Insider: “What a poor decision from the match officials. Amazing they failed to rule out Coventry City’s third goal, which was clearly offside.”