The Coventry City striker was the subject of a racist gesture when the two sides met in their second tier fixture earlier in the year, and the culprit was identified and banned – but that hasn’t stopped the club from being punished by the Football Association.
A statement from the FA read, “Sheffield Wednesday have been fined £12,500, warned and ordered to implement an action plan for misconduct in relation to crowd control at their EFL Championship game against Coventry City on Saturday 20 January 2024.
“Sheffield Wednesday admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion during the 94th minute, and don’t use words or otherwise behave in an improper, offensive, abusive and insulting way, with an express or implied reference to ethnic origin, colour and race.”
Meanwhile, the club said as part of their statement, “Following a robust investigation, the culprit was identified and subsequently brought to justice… In addition to the sentence imposed in a court of law, this person is now the subject of a lifetime ban from all Sheffield Wednesday fixtures and club events, with the opportunity to attend a rehabilitation programme in line with the EDI Code of Practice for all EFL Clubs after 10 years.
“As a community-focused, family football club, we reiterate our condemnation of the abhorrent actions of this individual. We have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that supporters, and anyone purporting to be supporters, conduct themselves in the right manner at all times whilst following the team, home and away. You can help too – all supporters can confidentially report any unlawful matchday incident in real time by texting 07526 166907.
“FA investigations also result in unnecessary costs, including the significant legal fees and financial sanctions that have to be absorbed by the club. Working side by side with all relevant authorities, we will continue the drive to weed out anyone who tarnishes the good name of 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.”