Even the most stoic Sheffield Wednesday supporters would have found the evening memorable.
And hours after the streets surrounding Sheffield Wednesday’s famous Hillsborough stadium were devoid of the pre-match commotion, moments after the final whistle blew on yet another tireless Owls effort that brought one of the country’s most dominant form teams within a kick of parity, Henrik Pedersen strode out onto the pitch to applaud those who had stayed until the bitter end.
In light of a widespread boycott of Wednesday evening’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough, those who attended will have had the same reasons as those who did not, regardless of how much the louder areas of social media love to shout them down. The Star noticed a high concentration of children among the audience and spoke with some fans who concluded that temporarily withdrawing their support for their team, rather than the regime, was too far to go.
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Freedom of choice is the foundation of true democracy, and protest cannot exist without it. While some will focus on the small number of Wednesdayites who attended the game, the ruckus created by the many thousands who did not could be heard as far as Bangkok. The vision was unsettling yet loud and clear; no more.
Pedersen entered the South Stand’s underbelly to address his team before moving on to the different post-match press responsibilities. His task has been made even more difficult by the situation off-field, as his maiden step into a significant managerial position has been marred by distraction and protest for the greater good.
In the absence of top leadership, Pedersen’s press appearances have been filled with questions he’d rather not answer, and to his credit, he accepts them, no doubt appreciating the reluctant necessary for them to be posed. If Hillsborough had been alive on Wednesday evening, the fundamental objective of gaining three Championship points could have been a bit easier. Perhaps the ridiculousness of the fans’ actions has brought his broken and bruised players closer together.
However, this is not a situation for a manager to address. After rejecting down more attractive positions over the summer, Pedersen decided to give Wednesday a chance. You suppose he expected things to be different by now, but with time passing, that is simply not the case.
When asked about the boycott, a troubling Hillsborough, and the thousands who felt compelled to send a message, the Dane elected not to hide, divert, or talk around the golden elephant in the foyer. He – and the players, he claimed – knew where it came from.
“We all know how Hillsborough can be,” he told us. “It might be wonderful. Of course, seeing this tonight is sad, but I understand and appreciate everyone involved. I know that all of the fans sitting at home and in pubs were with us. We’re all together. We simply must maintain our unity. I have the greatest respect for everyone.
“We are not used to playing in front of such a small crowd in the stadium. It’s painful because we know what it may be. I understand all supporters, including those who sit at home. I appreciate everyone, and I’m really looking forward to seeing you again.”
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Togetherness extends far beyond the club’s current standing in the table and the challenges that lay ahead in the relegation battle. As the protest demonstrated, there is a larger strategy at work to ensure a viable future for one of the country’s great institutions.
The man at the core of the conflict accepted the conclusions of the absentees, even though he would have preferred them to be there. Whether supporters took their seats or not, every Wednesdayite hopes for a better future. According to this reporter, some people would do well to take a break from the social media slanging matches and recall that.
People will make their own decisions. Disagree, argue, and recruit. Stop yelling. There is strength in unity.
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