Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have shared their thoughts on Sheffield Wednesday’s administration and subsequent points deduction.
Former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has criticised the English Football League (EFL) for penalising Sheffield Wednesday with a 12-point deduction after the club entered administration for the first time in its history.
After years of poor financial management, Dejphon Chansiri officially handed over control of the club last Friday, placing both Wednesday and Sheffield 3 Limited — the company that owns Hillsborough Stadium — into administration. The EFL responded by docking the club 12 points, leaving them bottom of the Championship on -6 points, 16 adrift of safety after just 12 games.
The deduction all but confirms Wednesday’s likely relegation to League One — their fourth drop since leaving the Premier League 25 years ago. Still, many supporters view it as a price worth paying to see the end of Chansiri’s turbulent ownership.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker admitted he understood the league’s rules but said the punishment was harsh on the fans.
“They’ve gone into administration, obviously, and hopefully they can sort it all out,” Lineker said. “But they’ve got the 12-point penalty and are now on -6.
I understand why clubs have to face repercussions, but it just feels like kicking a team when it’s already down. We’ve seen this happen before, and it doesn’t sit well — it’s always the supporters who suffer.”
Alongside him on the podcast, Alan Shearer echoed Lineker’s sympathy for the fans, saying the situation, while painful, might offer a sense of renewal.
“It’s not the fans’ fault — they’re the constant; they’ll always be there,” Shearer said. “As bad as it’s been, I think there’s some relief. They may have to endure more short-term pain, but at least they’ve got their club back.
Hopefully, a new buyer will step in. Relegation might be inevitable, but perhaps this gives them the chance for a clean slate. Even removing Chansiri’s name from the stand feels like a fresh start.”
Lineker concluded the discussion by expressing hope for a brighter future at Hillsborough.
“Hopefully someone comes along who truly cares about the club and can take it forward. Good luck to the Owls.”
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