A Sheffield Wednesday fan was seen holding a sign on his phone that appeared to mock the death of former Sheffield United defender George Baldock on the stands at Bramall Lane.
Baldock, who was born in England but played international football for Greece since 2022, was found dead in a swimming pool at his home near Athens on October 9, aged 31.
He had been playing for Panathinaikos since joining the 20-time Greek champions from the Blades in May, but remained a fan favorite at home.
Last week, mourners including England stars Dele Alli and Dean Henderson gathered in Milton Keynes for his funeral, with figures such as Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and his former team-mate Oliver McBurnie also on hand. among those who paid their respects to the right back, known as ‘Star Man’.
The Blades faced rivals today on Wednesday for the first time since Baldock’s death and one supporter appeared to be showing a sign on his phone reading: “Where’s Baldock?” to the home fans, while another appeared to make a offensive gesture.
A Sheffield Wednesday fan appeared to be holding a sign on his phone that read: “Where’s Baldock?” while another made an offensive gesture
Baldock, who played more than 400 games in English football, was found dead in a swimming pool at his home near Athens on October 9.
The footballer moved to Greek club Panathinaikos and was found dead in his pool
The event contrasted with the club’s official response to the former defender’s tragic death, with Sheffield Wednesday among those to pay tribute to Baldock following his death.
The team organized a minute of applause for the Greek international and also laid flowers at a shrine on their rival’s ground before the under-21 derby.
Following Sunday’s unpleasant incident, social media was flooded with users condemning the fan’s apparent actions. Chloe Bannan, wife of Wednesday captain Barry Bannan, said: “That is absolutely abhorrent and has nothing to do with Wednesday.” .’
A Sheffield Wednesday spokesperson said: “The club is aware of an image circulating on social media and strongly condemns this abhorrent act.”
“We are working alongside South Yorkshire Police on an immediate investigation and have made it absolutely clear that there is no place in football or society for such appalling behaviour.”
The scenes in the stands mirrored those before the match, when missiles were thrown between both groups of fans before police officers were forced to intervene.
A large police operation was organized as rival fans made their way to the stadium but, as shown in several videos on social media, the animosity boiled over.
A clip shows Wednesday’s fans being escorted down a road. A line of officers was deployed to separate supporters from the opponent, many of whom were heard shouting profanities.
Sheffield United fans took on their Wednesday rivals ahead of the Steel City derby.
Officers used police horses to keep the peace in the hours before the Blades’ 1-0 victory.
On the pitch, Tyrese Campbell finally opened the scoring with the only shot on goal of the game.
In ugly scenes, flares and missiles were launched towards the traveling contingent and one unfortunate fan was hit on the head by a flying beer can.
In return, Wednesday’s supporters responded by shouting and directing rude gestures at their rivals.
The Steel City derby is believed to be the most expensive Championship match for the police, costing South Yorkshire Police £203,000 in March 2019.
On that occasion, on Wednesday, the home team was billed £41,000.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, South Yorkshire Police said: “We are working closely with Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, and the local council, ahead of this exciting derby to ensure everyone can enjoy the match.”
The match itself was a tense affair and required a second-half goal from Tyrese Campbell, in what was the only shot on target of the match, to secure the Blades a memorable victory in the first meeting between the two clubs in more of five years.
Wild celebrations greeted the final whistle in an electric atmosphere at Bramall Lane with Chris Wilder’s side now level on points with Championship leaders Sunderland.
His former cult hero Baldock made over 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons with United until this summer, winning two promotions.
The scene where Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
Baldock lived in this property in the Greek capital after moving to giant Panathinaikos
Earlier this month, tributes were paid to former Sheffield United star Baldock outside Bramall Lane.
Pallbearers carried Baldock’s coffin at the ceremony in Milton Keynes in October.
Former England star Dele Alli bowed his head as he paid tribute to his former MK Dons team-mate.
He was found unconscious in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, allegedly raised the alarm because he wasn’t answering his phone.
Police investigating the drowning of the 31-year-old man recovered CCTV showing him in the pool of his luxury Greek apartment, as sources said, showing him swimming vigorously, before suddenly stopping and then sinking.
Security cameras from a neighboring property captured half of the pool and showed him entering the water around 6:45 p.m., hours before his body was found.
Baldock’s family released a statement, revealing that the footballer was due to fly home to celebrate his son’s first birthday and describing how they now “mourn his loss”.
Paying tribute, they turned to Baldock and said: “You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.”
“Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those who were lucky enough to know you and to those who adored you from the stands.”
The family went on to say that “it was impossible not to love him,” while asking the public for privacy at this “devastating time.”
