Fan Fined and Banned for Mocking Deceased Player at Derby Match
A Sheffield Wednesday supporter has been fined and banned for mocking a deceased player during a heated derby match
Sheffield, England, George Baldock, Brandon Pedryc, Football, Derby Match
Sheffield: So, there was this fan, Brandon Pedryc, who thought it would be funny to wave a sign at a derby match, poking fun at a player who had just passed away. Not cool, right? He ended up getting fined £300 and banned from football for three years.
The whole thing went down at Bramall Lane during a Championship match. Brandon held up a message saying “Where’s Baldock?” referring to George Baldock, a former Sheffield United player who tragically died a month earlier. The judge called it a “moment of madness,” which is putting it lightly.
Brandon claimed he was just reacting to some rough treatment from rival fans, who were throwing coins and bottles at him. But the judge pointed out that his actions caused a lot of distress, not just to the fans but also to Baldock’s family and friends.
After the incident, Brandon realized his message had gone viral on social media and even approached a police officer to explain. Initially, the officer didn’t think it was a crime, but things changed when a senior officer reviewed the case.
In court, Brandon described it as a “sick joke” and said he just wanted to get under the skin of the United fans. He expressed remorse in a letter to the judge, and his lawyer mentioned that he had already lost his job over this mess.
Brandon, a long-time Sheffield Wednesday supporter, admitted he made a poor choice. The judge acknowledged that while he was provoked, he escalated the situation in a highly charged environment. It’s a tough lesson learned for him.
As for George Baldock, he was a talented player who made a significant impact during his time with the Blades. His untimely death has left a mark on the community, and this incident just added to the heartache.