Jeff Stelling: West Brom fans planning protest amidst dissent towards club owners
There were West Brom fan protests at The Hawthorns during the game against Reading in the 57th minute as supporters demanded the owners repay the substantial debt owed to them, as relayed by Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling.
The Baggies’ controlling shareholder Guochuan Lai took a seven-figure sum of money out of the club back in early 2021 to help fund another of their businesses which was supposed to be repaid back last month [Express & Star, 31 December].
Lai’s failure to repay the debt twice has led to much unrest and upheaval within the Baggies fanbase and supporters are rightfully demanding updates and assurances surrounding the financial state of their football club.
Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling announced live on Sky Sports News that the Baggies faithful were planning a protest in the 57th minute to speak out against Lai.
He said: “There will be a protest at The Hawthorns Stadium in the 57th minute of the game. It’s against the ownership and debts of £12million that the supporters believe are owed to them by the current owners.”
Rightful protests
The Baggies faithful are well within their right to protest against the club owners. It is indeed a difficult time at the club despite their upturn in form on the pitch, and the supporters certainly have the right to know what’s going on with their football club.
Carlos Corberan has done remarkably well to shield his players’ mindsets and performance levels away from all the upheaval as they go about their plans to achieve promotion from the Championship.
But such incompetence from Lai will certainly affect the manager’s plans to build on their strong form, especially with the January window open at this current time.
Fans expect transparency surrounding the club business and operations and they aren’t simply getting it right now. How the club moves on from this torrid situation is anyone’s guess, but Corberan will certainly be hoping it is all sorted out quickly so that he can carry on the job that he’s doing so well.
In other West Brom news, Albion could be set to recall this player from a loan after his manager was sacked.