Sheffield Wednesday say they are ‘extremely disappointed’ as the FA launch a further investigation into fan behaviour.
Objects were once again thrown onto the pitch at Hillsborough, in breach of both the law and EFL regulations, first towards an assistant referee at the Championship fixture against Plymouth.
Then again on Friday for the defeat against Leeds despite an pre-match appeal from the club, which pleaded fans to comply with rules.
The Star journalist Joe Crann tweeted: “Missiles launched from the Kop leads to another investigation against #SWFC… I know it’s a minority, but this season #SWFC fans have been involved in mocking the death of a child, racism against a player, and throwing things onto the pitch on numerous occasions… Just stop it.”
Alan Biggs also wrote: “My sympathies always with clubs & the overwhelming majority of decent, law-abiding fans when this happens. How can clubs control brainless minorities, short of identifying them & banning them?”
The Owls are extremely disappointed to report that once again, we are the subject of a further FA investigation#swfc
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) March 12, 2024
STATEMENT (12th March)
The Owls are extremely disappointed to report that once again, we are the subject of a further FA investigation, this time following Friday night’s Championship fixture against Leeds United.
Missiles were launched from the Kop area of the stadium on to the pitch in breach of EFL Ground Regulations and the law.
The club is at risk of FA sanctions for this and previous incidents regrettably seen at Hillsborough this season.
Officials are currently studying CCTV footage from Friday’s game and anyone identified to have taken part in such unacceptable behaviour will be heavily sanctioned by the club whilst also facing police prosecution.
We repeat in the strongest tone that we have a zero tolerance policy in respect of ground regulation and/or law breaches at Hillsborough.
FA investigations result in unnecessary costs, including the potential of significant financial sanctions that have to be absorbed by the club.
Whilst it is acknowledged that only a minority of supporters choose to act in such an appalling manner, we ask the overwhelming majority and law-abiding members of the Sheffield Wednesday family to help weed out these individuals and uphold the good name of our club.
Supporters can report any incident confidentially in real time by texting 07526 166907 – please provide as much information as possible, including row, seat numbers and a short description of the culprit/s.
Alternatively, call 0300 201867 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
Together we can stamp this out.
Thank you for your cooperation.
STATEMENT (8th March)
Despite continued reminders on the conduct of our supporters whilst following the team, we regret to report that the club are again the subject of an FA investigation following our home game against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.
A missile was launched from the North Stand area of the stadium in the direction of the assistant referee and we stress once more that we have a zero tolerance policy to this wholly unacceptable behaviour.
Should the culprit/s be identified, they will be subject to full club sanctions in line with EFL Ground Regulations.
The club are already awaiting the outcome of a separate FA investigation regarding the discriminatory incident at Hillsborough against Coventry City in January this year.
Supporters should be aware that quite aside from undermining the image of Sheffield Wednesday as a family-focused community club, we are at risk of FA sanctions each time regulations are breached.
Ahead of tonight’s Championship fixture with Leeds United, at which the highest attendance of the season so far is expected, we implore supporters to abide by the ground regulations and refrain from engaging in any illegal or inappropriate behaviour of any form whatsoever – be it missile throwing, discriminatory words, gestures and/or tragedy chanting – that will bring the club into disrepute.
Supporters can report any incident confidentially in real time by texting 07526 166907. Please provide as much information as possible, including row and seat numbers.
We also respectfully request that any leaflets are disposed of in a regular manner and not discarded in and around the stadium.
Following the Birmingham City home fixture in February, additional and significant club resource was channeled into clearing leaflets left inside the stadium and surrounding areas.
We politely ask that supporters respect the local community and its residents and dispose of any unwanted litter appropriately or at home.
Thank you for your cooperation.
This is how Twitter users reacted with Sheffield Wednesday ‘extremely disappointed’ as the FA launch a further investigation into fan behaviour…
@JoeKneale582: Surely we’ve more FA investigations than United have league wins now
@Fids16sw: You’ll never sing that
@nattasswfc: T1 having a competition with Dejphon Chansiri on who can drag the clubs name through the dirt the most
@andydunn74: How difficult is it these days to find the culprits and ban them? Maybe the club needs to upgrade their cctv technology 🤷♂️! They should be arrested before they even leave the ground
@Jordrl66: Ask EFL if Rotherham and many others are getting investigated or is it only ever us?
@J19721: I hope they’re proud of themselves, we have a manager & team doing all they can to stay in this league and a bunch of children determined to drag us through the mud. A shameful season tbh. I hope they will be happy if we’re handed any points deductions this year.
@lukepeo1867: More statements then wins this season 🤣
@keiron1972: Stiffer punishment needed! Bans not implemented most of the time. No doubt DC will use this to batter the fan base as it’s going to cost the club + we my have further reduced home tickets. 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤡
@WillPorter93:
FA Investigations 🤝 Chansiri statements
High scoring season at #swfc 😂😭
@MattSummerhill: This crap has to stop. Every other week now. Route out these neanderthals and get them out of my club
@bethgabriel_: “Once again” – They’re so tired of peoples shit 🤣
@leedsboygrant23: You know your fan base is shit when they’re quoting “once again” they’re sick and tired of this shit 🤣🤣🤣
@BenBarlow_91: Basically, stop acting like petulant children. It’s really not difficult. #swfc
@JamesWhart85261: Our fan base is so toxic these days
@hackabusi: Small minority dragging the clubs name through the dirt yet again. Rap sheet this season is building. Embarrassing.
@_ohewitt_: Emotions are always going to be high, especially in a Yorkshire derby, but how do people not control themselves?! Knowing our luck we’ll end up with a points deduction
@Liamkirk05: Pretends to be shocked. Chansiri out though
@joshlaurenttheg: horrible stuff @efl announce a points deduction now
@deebeesdiy: Let’s hope ask fans behind net about keepers antics and abuse to fans pillocks who chucked bottles ban but all landed behind goal yet keeper kicks them one pitch so can moan to ref and manager that he victim
@YICETOR: Seems to be one of these statements every couple of weeks. Find the dickheads and ban them. Start punishing them more severely. Our reputation is in the cesspit. #swfc
@jon_wakefield: Let’s be very clear, all clubs currently have issues with their fan bases behaviour. The FA acknowledge that decline in behaviour since covid. As #swfc fans we need to focus on our problem and let the other clubs focus on theirs. No more “but their fans/players did…” Furthermore someone will have a stand closed or be forced to play without fans sooner rather than later. The financial punishments don’t impact fans but not being allowed to go watch a game will. #swfc #wawaw
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