Sheffield Wednesday Fan Banned for Mocking Baldock's Death

Brandon Pedryc, a Sheffield Wednesday fan, received a £300 fine and a three-year football banning order for mocking the recent death of former Sheffield United player George Baldock at the Steel City derby on November 11. During the match, Pedryc displayed a message saying 'Where's Baldock,' referencing Baldock's death a month earlier in Greece. District Judge Marcus Waite described Pedryc's actions as a 'moment of madness' but acknowledged he was provoked by rival fans who threw coins and a bottle at him. The judge noted that while Pedryc did not intend to cause distress, significant upset was caused to the fans and Baldock's family. He highlighted that Pedryc's actions risked escalating disorder in an already charged environment. Following the incident, Pedryc approached police and expressed remorse, claiming it was meant as a 'sick joke' aimed at rival supporters.