Sheffield Wednesday, the Championship team, has been fined by the Football Association this week following a racist incident at Hillsborough.
Following their Championship match against Coventry City last January, Sheffield Wednesday was ordered to execute a “action plan for misconduct in relation to crowd control” and was also fined £12,500.
When the two teams played earlier in the season in their second-tier match, Coventry City forward Kelsey Palmer was the target of a racial taunt. Sheffield Wednesday found the offender and banned them. The authorities have now imposed punishment on the Owls.
Sheffield Wednesday admitted to failing to make sure that their fans and spectators (and anyone posing as supporters) behaved in an orderly manner during the 94th minute and didn’t use language or otherwise behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, and insulting way, with an express or implied reference to ethnic origin, color, or race. This was stated in a statement released by The FA.The club’s fines were issued after a hearing by an independent Regulatory Commission, and the full text of the commission’s written justifications is provided below,” the news statement stated.
In their statement, Sheffield Wednesday also stated that “the perpetrator was identified and subsequently brought to justice following a thorough investigation.” This individual has been given a lifelong ban from all Sheffield Wednesday games and club events in addition to the punishment they received in court. After ten years, they will have the chance to participate in an EDI Code of Practice-compliant rehabilitation program open to all EFL clubs.
“As a family-oriented football team that values the community, we once again denounce the heinous deeds committed by this person. Whether we are cheering on the team at home or away, it is our constant duty to make sure that supporters—and those who pose as supporters—always act appropriately. You can also contribute by texting 07526 166907 to report any illegal matchday occurrence in real time and in confidence.
FA investigations also lead to needless expenses, which the club must bear in the form of high legal bills and financial penalties. Together with all pertinent authorities, we will keep up the effort to remove anyone who brings disrepute to Sheffield Wednesday.
“Strict sanctions are in place for breaches of Ground Regulations and/or the law and we underline our commitment to anti-discrimination by reinforcing the message of the ‘Owls Together’ campaign launched in 2023. Sheffield Wednesday make it absolutely clear – discriminatory abuse is illegal, offensive and will not be tolerated.”
On August 18, Sunderland’s first home game of the league season will take place at the Stadium of Light against Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.
