An update has been given on a Sheffield United fan after an incident at Sheffield Wednesday and threats he then made online.
The individual responsible for hurting a young fan called Harry was quickly identified with community help, and now faces a severe but fair punishment, not just from Sheffield United, but has lost their job, and received a 12-month suspended sentence for the their actions at the Steel City derby, then then subsequent online threats made.
Supporters’ offers to fund a season ticket or make the young fan, Harry, a mascot were appreciated but declined, as the focus was not on financial gain.
A young fan named Harry was involved in an incident at the Sheffield Wednesday vs. Sheffield United match, is recovering and may attend another game soon.
Kevin Burke said in an update on the 17th April: “We now have closure to the incident with my Grandson Harry at the Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United Derby.
“Firstly, Harry is ok. Looking like he is about ready to attend another home game, hopefully before the end of the season.
“I would like to thank everyone for their help in identifying the individual involved.
“We could not have proceeded without your help.
“I cant go into too much detail but Sheffield United have dealt with the individual with what we think is a very severe but fair punishment.
“Unfortunately the individual lost his job too.
“He was in court yesterday and received a 12 month suspended sentence for the incident and the online threats he has been making to my daughter and I after the event, and while on bail.
“Many thanks to both sets of supporters for the kind offers of paying for a season ticket and for Harry to be a mascot.
“We politely declined all offers as it was never about money, but all the kind and generous gestures are very appreciated.”
After sharing Kevin’s update, she said in a reply to one comment: “I’m just glad it’s been made an example of and shows this behaviour isn’t acceptable. It would be good to have the other 4 identified but I’m hopeful that can be done via CCTV. If only I’d got my phone out a minute sooner I’d have got pics of them all. But you don’t think of that straight away when shielding your kids from other objects being thrown xx”
Kevin said after the incident: “As most of my friends know I support Sheffield Wednesday and so do my kids and grandkids.
“Today my daughter took the kids to their first local Derby.
“Now I have a lot if friends who are Sheffield United fans who i respect. We all have a bit of harmless banter as expected.
“Today, when Sheffield United scored, a Sheffield United fan decided to throw a bottle of beer at my 11 year old Grandson which hit him in the head.
“He was taken to the paramedic and has concussion. Luckily he is not seriously hurt but he is terrified and was hysterically upset. We got a picture of this idiot and so have the police.
“A statement has been given too. This idiot has 2 choices as we see it. Firstly, can anyone give us his details as we would really like to have a chat with him.
“Other than that he can save himself and our family a lot hassle by handing himself in. Either way we gonna make u famous.”
Gemma Alexandra posted via Facebook: “I want this “man” named and shamed. Make it as hot as you can.
“Today I took 3 of my children and nephew to their first derby game. When Sheffield united scored misiles were thrown and then this individual decided to spit on the children. I looked him square in the eye and called him a few words, and reminded him that they are kids. That didn’t matter though, he got a beer bottle and aimed it at Harry, it hit his head and has caused him mild concussion. Harry is 11 years old, Wednesday mad. Now he never wants to go again.
“Now I know a lot of united fans who I love and respect. We all have banter. This is too far! I want this man’s name, a conviction and ban because this is not what football is about!!!!
“Harry has concussion currently, he is doing ok.
“What’s not ok is grown men throwing things and spitting on kids. Ages 17,16,13&11. All got spit in their hair and Harry a beer bottle thrown directly at him.
“There were 5 fans in total. They all moved back when they saw me get my phone out. This one however stood out by far with the consistent spitting then throwing the bottle.
She said: “He’s spoken with my dad on the phone. It’s definitely him that’s been found.
“He’s admitted to the spitting but denies throwing the bottle. He went on to say to my dad that spitting is ok at football 
“He is panicking about losing his season ticket and getting banned. He’s asked if he can write a letter of apology to Harry to have this provoked. My dad and myself have declined as Harry wishes for no contact from him as he has terrified him.
“Oh yeah let’s set an example of we can all do what we like at football then if we write a letter of apology after eh? 
“Also keen to find the male with his hood up. And another male of a stocky build wearing a cream/beige jumper/jacket as they were also spitting at the kids”
“I’d like to thank every single person who has come forward with information on the man that’s assaulted my kids and nephew today. We have his name and work place along with his history of criminal behaviour. By the sounds of it, a ban will do his fellow fans a favour as he’s a bellend at home games too.
“Harry is ok. He has a bump to his head and bruising is forming on one side of his face alongside a headache but he’s otherwise ok. Understandably he is shaken up. His big sisters are angry and also slightly shaken but will be ok.
“I’m hopeful that now we have his information that both clubs can work together to make sure justice is done. I would like to set my kids an example that these people don’t belong in football and punishments are given to the likes of morons they’ve witnessed today.”
A few days after, she wrote: “With regards to my son, Harry being injured on Sunday, myself and other loved ones have had several messages from fellow Wednesday fans and united fans offering to contribute towards Harry being a mascot or to even buy gifts/tickets for him as a way to getting him back to games and to also comfort him that there are more good than bad football fans.
“Whilst we appreciate the lovely gestures and we really do, this is not something I feel comfortable with as this is not what this is about.
“All we want is for the authorities to take action where applicable and the behaviour we witnessed to be made an example of.
“We really do appreciate people’s kindness and concern, please don’t think we don’t.
“Thank you again for everyone’s help with information, hopefully justice will be done but right now my main concern is Harry’s emotional and mental wellbeing and getting him back to the place he loves most when he is ready 💙”
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— Fan Banter (@fan_banter) April 17, 2025
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