Blues fans hold second march at St Andrew’s in protest against owners before Peterborough game

Birmingham City supporters held a second #BSHLOUT protest against the club’s owners before their side’s game against Peterborough United at St Andrew’s last night (January 25).

Around 200 Blues fans marched from Tilton Road up to St Andrew’s where fans gathered near the ticket office before dispersing.

Banners were displayed, and fans once again aimed angry chants at the club’s owners, Hong Kong-based Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited, before Lee Bowyer’s side drew 2-2 with Peterborough.

This was the second protest in a matter of days after hundreds of supporters gathered on Saturday (January 22) before the game against Barnsley at St Andrew’s.

The Birmingham City supporters also protested in front of the club directors during the game against Barnsley.

There was one arrest as a flare was thrown during the game and nearby stewards suffered minor injuries. West Midlands Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage at the ground.

Why are fans protesting before games?

Supporters say they are unhappy with how the club is being run.

Under the ownership of Birmingham Sports Holdings, which took over in 2016, the club were found to have breached profitability and sustainability rules in 2019 after incurring losses of nearly £48.8m in three years, and were subsequently docked nine points.

Uncertainty over who actually owns the club, the continuing struggles in the Championship, the state of their St Andrew’s home and increasing financial losses have all been used in protest at the owners.

Birmingham City owners respond to fans

The club invited a selection of fans to meet board members last Thursday (January 20) to address their concerns.

Blues issued a statement following the meeting and revealed that the owners have “no intention” to sell the club.

The club said: “The board stated that the club is not up for sale and the owners have no intention to sell. Like any business, it does have a value but the owners have invested, and continue to invest, heavily in the club.”

Fans have also expressed frustration at the lack of communication from the club over their concerns.

During the meeting, board member Edward Zheng described the ‘large cultural difference’ that has impacted communication with fans.

It was acknowledged by the chairman and the board of the club that the culture ‘has to shift’ and communication lines will be ‘more open moving forward.’

The club’s project manager, Michael Moran, also discussed the structural issues with St Andrew’s stadium, detailing the extent of the repair works required, with part of the stadium having been closed for more than a year.

Photos provided by the Tilton Two podcast.

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