A protest against Leicester City’s management is set for this Saturday, with fans planning a march from the Local Hero pub to the King Power Stadium an hour before their match against Arsenal.
Discontent among supporters has escalated as rapidly as the club’s decline in the standings. This weekend’s demonstration is the latest and potentially largest expression of frustration toward the club’s hierarchy, a sentiment that has been growing for months.
The first significant signs of fan unrest surfaced last summer when many supporters joined the Foxes Trust, citing concerns over various club decisions. Among these were the £25 charge for new season-ticket cards, the sale of fan-favorite Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to comply with financial regulations, and a sponsorship deal with an obscure gambling company now facing legal issues.
Since then, supporters have sought to reform the Foxes Trust from within to push for meaningful change. Dissent has also become more vocal in the stands, with increasing chants calling for the dismissal of director of football Jon Rudkin.
Now, under the banner Project Reset, fans will assemble at the Local Hero pub before marching down Raw Dykes Road to the stadium. Organizers encourage attendees to wear yellow, a color linked to the monarchy in Thailand, the homeland of club owner Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha. They also plan to chant in the 14th minute, referencing the infamous Adrien Silva transfer saga.
In a document titled The Five Dysfunctions of a Failing Football Club, Project Reset outlines key grievances fueling the protest. The lack of communication from club leadership, including Top, CEO Susan Whelan, and Rudkin, is a major concern. None of the three have spoken to British media in nearly a decade.
Other frustrations include inconsistent managerial decisions, a lack of accountability, and no transparency regarding the club’s internal review after relegation. Despite historically being a yo-yo club, fans argue that no team with Leicester’s recent top-half finishes has fallen as abruptly as they have. The club’s eighth-highest wage bill in the Premier League last season further highlights concerns over mismanagement.
Project Reset seeks a clear explanation for the club’s decline, regular communication from leadership, and a new director of football, along with additional support staff. However, they are not calling for King Power or Top to sell the club, though they acknowledge that goodwill toward ownership is waning.
A statement from the group emphasizes the need for transparency, leadership changes, and a clear plan to address the club’s struggles. They believe Top is being let down by his leadership team and that decision-making power is too concentrated among a few individuals.
Despite their calls for transparency, the protest organizers remain anonymous, fearing potential stadium bans. Estimating the turnout is difficult, but organizers believe thousands could participate. Leicestershire Police and the club are aware of the protest, and while there has been no direct communication between the club and the organizers, manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has acknowledged the demonstration, which some see as tacit support.
The club is not attempting to suppress the protest, but it remains unclear whether they will address fans’ concerns. The scale and frequency of demonstrations could be crucial in determining whether they lead to genuine change at Leicester City. However, it seems clear that ignoring the unrest will no make it disappear.
