Wolves: Why are fans protesting with Taiwan flags?

The first fan protest occurred during Wolves’ 4-1 home loss to Manchester United, where fans were encouraged to delay entering Molineux until 15 minutes into the match – a reversal of playing 15 games with just two points to show for it.

Kieran Newey, of the Old Gold Pack fan group, which organized the protest, told BBC Radio that the protest was “the culmination of not being heard for a while”.

“We have sent letters, requested meetings… and have not received any response of a substantive nature.”

He described the 15-minute delay as “a first step towards a clear protest” and “to show how many people oppose Fosun and Jeff Shea”.

Wolves’ 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal set an unwanted club record of nine straight defeats, which could be extended to 10 if they lose at home to Brentford.

But Newey told BBC Sport that the protests “go beyond results on the pitch.”

“Fans feel there is a deep-rooted issue with leadership, ambition and having a plan. For years, we have been told one thing and seen another, with mixed messages about investment, sustainability and the direction of the club.

“Wolves should be run with pride and ambition, but now we seem to be drifting apart. That’s why the fans are speaking out.”

Some fans were also seen holding “Shi Out” banners and holding Taiwan flags – perhaps a provocative reference to Wolves’ Chinese owners Fosun – although these displays were not organized by the Old Gold Pack.

The relationship between the two countries is contentious, with China seeing self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province that would eventually be under Beijing’s control – and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island.

But Taiwan considers itself different from mainland China, and has its own constitution and democratically elected leaders.

Before stepping down, former president Shi described the run of results to BBC Radio WM as “probably… one of the worst moments in the last 10 years, but still better than we were in the Championship”, and defended the overall atmosphere at the club.