Sheffield Wednesday are working with police to hunt down a fan accused of mocking rival supporters about the death of George Baldock in an “abhorrent act” during the Steel City derby.
Images circulated on social media show a man in the Wednesday end with a message written large on his phone screen saying “Where’s Baldock?” The Telegraph was unable to immediately establish the veracity of the image but the club has vowed it will investigate with officers.
“The club are aware of an image circulating on social media and roundly condemn this abhorrent act,” a Sheffield Wednesday spokesman told Telegraph Sport in a statement. “We are working together with South Yorkshire Police on an immediate investigation and make it absolutely clear that there is no place in football or society for such appalling behaviour.”
Supporters of both clubs had earlier condemned the visiting Wednesday fan as United ran out 1-0 winners in the first derby since 2019.
Baldock, who was born in England but played international football for Greece from 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 Sheffield United in May but remained a fan favourite back home.
Mourners including England stars Dele Alli and Dean Henderson gathered in Milton Keynes for his funeral last week. United manager Chris Wilder and former team-mate Oliver McBurnie were also among those paying their respects to the right-back.
A large police operation had swung into place for Sunday’s derby, with minor clashes as rival sets of fans made their way to the stadium.
One video shared on social media showed flares and missiles thrown toward the Wednesday faithful, with one unfortunate supporter struck on the head by a flying beer can.
