SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY’S mascot has released a statement after protesting against the club’s owner at the weekend.
Barney Owl paraded the Hillsborough pitch wearing a black and yellow scarf prior to the first team’s Championship match against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
The person behind Sheffield Wednesday’s mascot has protested the club’s owner[/caption]
Dejphon Chansiri is yet to sell the club[/caption]
Sheffield Wednesday fans have been using the colours to protest against under-fire owner Dejphon Chansiri, who has continued failing to pay staff members and players on time.
With the situation showing no signs of improving, the club’s mascot has now decided to wade in.
A statement from the official Barney Owl X account read: “I’m a fan first, and an employee second — this is my 20th season working for the club I love, starting when I was 18 years old.
“I stand with the fans. Without them, there is no Sheffield Wednesday.
“I’m match-day staff only, paid the same as stewards. I’ve had no pay issues personally (so far), but I don’t do this for the money — I do it for the fans and for the badge.
“Since this isn’t my main job, I’m in a position where I can speak out — many others aren’t.
“Please continue to show empathy and respect for ALL staff who can’t.
“It’s been difficult watching dedicated colleagues grow demoralised by the silence — the lack of clear communication about their pay, roles, and the club’s future is taking a real toll.
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“Like many others, I believe a change in ownership is the only way to safeguard the long-term future of the club — and the immediate short-term stability of the staff who work here.
“As it says in my bio: these are my views, not those of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club.
“My views and actions are independent of the club and any supporters groups or trusts.
“Up the Owls.”
Chansiri has so far resisted calls to sell despite protests from fans.
Wednesday’s financial situation means they cannot make any permanent transfers, with the EFL set to assess the situation this winter.
