The first Steel City Derby since the demise of George Baldock took place on Sunday, but it was overshadowed by a Sheffield Wednesday supporter who appeared to make fun of the former Sheffield United star’s tragic passing.
An inquiry has been opened after it was discovered that a fan of Sheffield Wednesday looked to be holding up a placard on his phone that made fun of the death of George Baldock during the Steel City Derby on Sunday.
In the encounter that took place on Sunday at Bramall Lane, Wednesday faced off against their cross-city rivals, Sheffield United. Prior to joining Panathinaikos in the summer, Baldock spent seven years playing for the Blades at the professional level.
He was discovered unconscious in a swimming pool next to his property in Athens in October, which was a tragic event that led to his death at the young age of 31. The funeral for him took place the week before last, and Blades manager Chris Wilder was one of the people that attended.
It was the first derby that his old team had played since his untimely demise, and it took place on Wednesday, Sunday. In addition, United supporters have expressed their outrage when it was reported that a fan from Wednesday seemed to be seen holding a placard on his phone that said “Where’s Baldock?” in the direction of the home crowd.
In response to the claims, Sheffield Wednesday has immediately provided a response. The ‘abhorrent act’ committed by the supporter has been denounced by them, and they have acknowledged that they have begun an inquiry into the event.
“The club is aware of an image that is circulating on social media and strongly condemns this abhorrent act,” said a statement sent by the membership. As part of our ongoing investigation, which is being conducted in conjunction with the South Yorkshire Police, we would want to make it very clear that such reprehensible behaviour has no place in either the world of football or in society.
Mirror Football has reached out to South Yorkshire Police in order to get their feedback. In addition, Chloe Bannan, who is married to Wednesday captain Barry Bannan, stated, “That is absolutely abhorrent, and they have nothing to do with Wednesday.”
Following the news of Baldock’s passing, Wednesday placed flowers at a shrine located on the grounds of their rivals in preparation for an under-21 derby match. Additionally, they had planned a minute of applause for Baldock. In addition, both sets of supporters threw missiles at each other throughout the play that took place on Sunday.
Tyrese Campbell’s score was the decisive factor that led to the Blades claiming victory in the game, which was a tight affair. After the tragic news of Baldock’s passing, his family had already published a statement that was filled with grief.
In the message, it was said, “We are devastated by the unexpected passing of our dearly loved George.” After conducting a post-mortem investigation, we are able to determine that George sadly drowned while swimming in the pool at his residence in Glyfada, which is located in the city of Athens.
You were the most remarkable father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate, and person. George, you were all of these things and more. From those who had the good fortune to know you and those who admired you from the stands, your energy and contagious nature gave a great deal of affection to those who were lucky enough to know you.
“We will always treasure the unique memories that we have of you, and your lovely son will continue to carry on your legacy from generation to generation. In spite of the fact that you were supposed to come back home today so that we could celebrate his first birthday together, we are instead grieving your death.
“As a family, it has been really moving, but it has also been quite challenging to read the vast amount of tributes that have been made by people who knew George and from people whose lives he affected. It would have been hard to avoid loving him.
