Moment Leicester fans applaud protesting Sheffield Wednesday supporters amid crisis club’s financial woes

CLASSY Leicester fans applauded protesting Sheffield Wednesday supporters in a brilliant act of football uniting.

In the opening game of their Championship season, Owls supporters refused to take their seats until the fifth minute at the King Power Stadium.

Wednesday followers are furious at the management of the club in crisis.

Financial woes have wreaked havoc at Hillsborough – with wages paid late, a transfer fee restriction until 2027, a possible points deduction and a shambolic pre-season featuring no sock tape or training ground.

And in a summer of chaos, which saw manager Danny Rohl officially leave on July 29 – 12 days before the clash at Leicester – the fans spoke with their feet away in the East Midlands.

With Wednesday supporters refusing to enter the stands until the fifth minute, only 1,000 were permitted into the concourse before the match.

And that meant the remaining 2,000-plus had to wait outside – with some still not in the ground by the time Nathaniel Chalobah gave the visitors a shock lead on 26 minutes.

Wednesday followers held posters with controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri’s face behind a red prohibited symbol.

The papers read: “‘If the fans want me to sell, I’ll sell.’ Stick to your word Dejphon Chansiri.”

And when the away fans finally did take their seats, they were met with a superb reception from the home end.

Leicester’s supporters – who themselves vented their anger at their own board amid potential points deductions over poor finances – stood to applaud their counterparts.

Sky Sports commentator Bill Leslie said: “In come the Sheffield Wednesday supporters and off their seats, the Leicester City fans applaud them.

“A fabulous show of solidarity and togetherness from the football family.

“Sheffield Wednesday, a great club, on its knees.”

The Owls faithful acknowledged the respect from the Leicester crowd, returning the clapping.

Despite having just 15 senior players, Wednesday went in front through a deflected strike – Chalobah’s first league goal for nearly five years.

But Leicester bounced back with defenders Jannik Vestergaard and Wout Faes both scoring from set pieces to give the Foxes all three points.

SunSport revealed yesterday that Sheffield Wednesday have told their fed-up players a new takeover is close to prevent them walking out.

No agreement has been found just yet – although American John Textor’s name has been mentioned.

But SunSport understands the EFL will slap the Owls with a points penalty for failing to pay the squad on time.