West Brom protest group to ramp up pressure on Guochuan Lai ahead of Huddersfield Town clash

West Bromwich Albion fan-led protest group Action for Albion are preparing to increase pressure on majority shareholder Guochuan Lai ahead of their clash with Huddersfield Town on Saturday. The group, along with fellow fans, are set to march to The Hawthorns to highlight issues relating to outstanding loan payments due to West Brom from Lai himself.

As has been seen in recent weeks, the ‘Shine a Light’ message will also be sent, with fans encouraged to turn the torch on their phones in the 12th and 57th minute of the game. Founder and committee member Ali Jones believes the protests continue to encompass the meaning Baggies supporters hope to see.

“We will continue to ask the questions that fans want answered,” Jones said. “We will continue to visibly highlight the jeopardy that we believe West Bromwich Albion faces with its current owners.

“Public promises by those same owners to repay outstanding loans have not been kept, and this weekend’s march is a demonstration of the strength of feeling amongst our fanbase. We ask all Albion fans, young and old to join us in what will be a loud, passionate but peaceful march to The Hawthorns.”

Action for Albion aims to highlight the outstanding payments due to the club from Lai, including two £5 million (including interest) loans due to the club along with an additional £2 million that was passed through to the majority shareholder when the club was bought. Chief Executive Ron Gourlay has previously commented on the supporter protests.

“I’ve no issues with the protests,” Gourlay told The Athletic back in January. “The only concern I have is for the safety of my staff and security team. They’re fans as well and they’re doing their job and I worry about them getting into a situation because protests can get out of hand. Up to now, the protests have been fair.

“I wouldn’t stand in their way. I’ve worked in football long enough to understand the frustrations. They want answers and I try to give them the best and most honest answers I can, but there are some questions I cannot answer. I can’t force my owner to do anything. He chose to buy the club. Until I’m told otherwise, I have to get my head down and get on with the job.”