Last month’s derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United was one to forget for Owls fans. A 2-1 loss to their bitter rivals relegated the Owls, confirming the earliest relegation in championship history.
The match wasn’t only defined by the result, as pictures before the game showed violent conduct between fans, with numerous injuries sustained. Projectiles were thrown between supporters, as Wednesday fans were escorted by Police from West Street to Bramall Lane.
Eight arrests were made at the ground, for public disorder, intoxication and assault.
A police statement before the match had confirmed there would be a strong police presence, with officers wearing protective equipment, and mounted police at the ground.
One Owls fan, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to Sheffield Wire about the event. They said: “We got marched through town by coppers, already people were throwing stuff out of windows.
“When we got to Bramall Lane, bottles, fireworks and flares got thrown and a police horse unseated its rider.”
One Facebook user said: “My son, 15, got a bottle to the head, like sitting ducks, well done South Yorkshire Police.” Another fan claimed the EFL and police were aware of “thug like celebrations”, but did nothing.
One of our own reporters was approached outside of the ground. A group of supporters, initially asking for a photo, then grabbed her camera and told her to ‘f*** off.’ There is no suggestion the supporters in this video were those arrested.
Another fan on social Media said : “There was no violence at St Mary’s church on Sheffield Derby day. The two sets of fans were kept apart by police, who did an excellent job.”
In 2022, South Yorkshire Police said the fixture had a “long history of violence”, matches between the sides are now played at 12:00pm to reduce drunk and disorderly conduct, with pubs refused early licences ahead of the clash.
However, our source said : “Some of these young lads are drunk and coked up, its a pack mentality, they just go for it.
“Its feral behaviour.”
They said that the violence doesn’t compare to anything they saw in the 70s, with CCTV scaring off a lot of fans.
They asserted that Wednesday fans can be just as bad. They said : “I imagine it’s similar on our end as well.
“It’s a really nasty derby with a lot of rivalry and aggression.”
In the reverse fixture, police involvement was required as Wednesday fans threw projectiles on the pitch towards Blades players.
They called for police to take more action on matchdays. They said whilst police have a difficult job to do, they should have done more to keep Wednesday and United fans apart.
They attended Wednesday’s weekend match against Southampton, and described a much calmer atmosphere, with fans drinking in the pub together.
Before the derby, a statement from South Yorkshire police said : “Officers will be ready to help and support people making their way to the game – or visiting the city centre – wherever needed.”
Police have been contacted for comment, but are yet to reply.
