Sheffield Wednesday fans have thanked a Hollywood actor for his gesture in supporting the efforts of fans campaigning for a brighter future at Hillsborough.
Rob McElhenney purchased Welsh team Wrexham alongside fellow actor Ryan Reynolds in 2021, and he has overseen incredible success, culminating in three consecutive promotions and a berth in the Championship. The Red Dragons face Wednesday afternoon, following a recent off-field issue in which they reversed their decision to not allow Owls supporters to bring a protest flag inside the STōK Cae Ras stadium.
Concerns about ‘political connotations’ surrounding the banner, which reads ‘SWFC For Sale – Enough is Enough’, prompted Wrexham officials to deny its use during the game, but after an online backlash and pressure from the club’s own fan base, it was confirmed that it could be used in protest, as it had been in the Owls’ opening day clash at Leicester City earlier this month.
Wrexham fans are expected to wear gold and black shirts as part of a Wednesday supporters’ protest against the club’s ongoing ownership by Dejphon Chansiri, whose mismanagement of the club and its finances has reached new lows in recent months, with working-class employees repeatedly paid late and the club’s football efforts decimated.
McElhenney took to social media on Friday evening to confirm that 10,000 Wrexham away shirts from last season were still available for purchase, and that all profits from sales between now and Monday would be donated to the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust, which has been leading the fan base protest movement.
In what was undoubtedly a clever PR maneuver, the club store order also included the phrase ‘In Solidarity’ beneath the purchasing information. Whether it was a public relations maneuver or not, the gesture has earned widespread appreciation online and will help the Trust’s work, with 5% of all donations going to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital as well.
The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Trust sent a statement to The Star, saying, “We are overwhelmed by the football family’s support for our plight, most recently from Wrexham on Friday.” Wrexham fans have just experienced the heartache of dealing with someone who is unfit to own their historic team. We are sincerely grateful for their assistance.
“Rob McElhenney’s gift is great, and it comes from a club owner who obviously knows the value football teams provide to their communities. We appreciate him and look forward to seeing the SToK Cae Ras turn black and gold this afternoon.
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