Sheffield Wednesday Stun Leeds in Carabao Cup Upset as Fan Boycott Overshadows Victory

Sheffield Wednesday Secure Stunning Carabao Cup Upset Over Leeds Amid Fan Protest

Sheffield Wednesday caused a major upset in the Carabao Cup second round, defeating Yorkshire rivals Leeds United 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The match, however, was overshadowed by a fan boycott as supporters protested against owner Dejphon Chansiri, with only 7,801 in attendance at Hillsborough.

The Owls, battling through financial turmoil, unpaid wages, and a transfer embargo, produced a spirited performance despite having just 20% possession for much of the game. Jamal Lowe played a key role in the opener, as his cross slipped through Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s legs for an own goal in the 63rd minute.

Leeds, who dominated proceedings with 25 shots, equalized through substitute Jayden Bogle in the 81st minute. New signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed three golden chances to win the tie in regulation time, and his woes continued in the shootout as Leeds failed to convert any of their penalties.

Fan Boycott Adds to Club’s Turmoil
The low attendance was a direct result of a boycott called by the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust, who urged fans to donate the match ticket money to Sheffield Children’s Hospital instead. The protest was aimed at pressuring Chansiri to sell the club amid ongoing financial struggles, including unpaid wages and a mass player exodus.

"We are trying to starve the owner of any ready cash," said Supporters’ Trust chair Ian Bennett. "We would like him to sell up and go. He is terrible with supporters; there is no rapport, and he doesn’t contact us. We want someone to take the club forward."

Former Assistant Manager Chris Powell Weighs In
Ex-Sheffield Wednesday assistant boss Chris Powell, who left the club in August following Danny Rohl’s departure, called the situation a "sorry state of affairs" with "no endgame in sight."

"It’s sad for me because there’s no talk of a takeover. The players, staff, and supporters are carrying on, but it’s tough," Powell said.

The Owls now advance to the Carabao Cup third round, while Leeds’ early exit adds to their disappointing start to the season. 

Watch highlights of Sheffield Wednesday’s shock win over Leeds in the Carabao Cup.

The EFL has previously urged Chansiri to either fund the club properly or sell to a suitable buyer, amid growing concern over the club’s financial stability. Wednesday’s victory offers a rare bright spot in a turbulent period, but the underlying issues remain unresolved.

Will the Owls maintain momentum in the next round? And will the protests force any change at Hillsborough? The drama continues both on and off the pitch.