‘They’re dead and buried’ – Sheffield United fans mock Sheffield Wednesday over latest twist
Many Sheffield United fans have taken great pleasure in the downfall of their cross-city rivals Sheffield Wednesday this season.
Sheffield Wednesday’s disheartening summer saw a number of players leave for pastures new, while existing members of staff went numerous months without being paid due to controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri’s shortfalls.
Chansiri wanted over £100million from a prospective buyer to sell the club, but neither a takeover nor sale was able to happen as second-tier Wednesday were placed under further embargoes relating to more unpaid wages to players and staff.
The end of his time at the club was finally reached in October as Wednesday were placed into administration and hit with an automatic 12-point deduction by the EFL.
Owls’ supporters have celebrated Chansiri’s departure even though relegation looms, but their woes have continued despite his exit after a new EFL update.
Wednesday handed further six-point deduction for EFL regulation breaches
Wednesday’s financial struggles have left Henrik Pedersen with a depleted squad, and they have long seemed destined for relegation regardless of points deductions after picking up just one win all season so far.
After sitting on minus-four points since a 1-1 draw with Norwich City on 5 November, their drop into League One has now been all but confirmed after the EFL handed them a further six-point deduction on Monday (1 December).
The sanction comes as a result of the club’s failure to pay players in March, May and June, as well as other non-payments to staff and HMRC.
A statement released by the EFL confirmed that they are “not seeking any further points deductions” from Wednesday’s already diminished total, which will be reassuring news for all involved with the club as they aim to bounce back next season.
Sheffield United fans mock Wednesday after new EFL sanction confirmed
They have not enjoyed a great season themselves so far, but United earned bragging rights over Wednesday last month with a 3-0 Steel City derby win.
Many Blades supporters took to X to poke fun at their rivals after the EFL’s new points deduction, with one wanting them to be punished further as they posted: “Should have been from next season, they’re dead and buried so it’s barely a punishment. They love a bit of special treatment.“
Another United supporter jokingly added: “Slight dent in their title hopes,” while one said: “Playoffs looking unlikely at this point.”
Then one posted: “With any luck they get some next season also,” and another added: “They might struggle to stay up at this rate.”