Sheffield Wednesday fan 'mocks death of George Baldock with vile picture' as probe launched

A Sheffield Wednesday fan appeared to hold up a sign on his phone that mocked the death of George Baldock during Sunday's Steel City Derby - with an investigation now being launched.

Wednesday faced cross-city rivals Sheffield United in the match at Bramall Lane on Sunday. Baldock played for the Blades for seven years before joining Panathinaikos in the summer.

He at the age of just 31 after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool near his villa in Athens. His , with Blades manager Chris Wilder among the attendees.

His former side hosted Wednesday on Sunday in the first derby since his tragic death. And United fans have been left furious after one Wednesday fan appeared to be pictured displaying a sign on his phone reading 'Where's Baldock?' towards home fans.

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Sheffield Wednesday have responded quickly to the allegations. They have condemned the supporter's 'abhorrent act' and confirmed they had launched an investigation into the incident.

A statement read: "The club are aware of an image circulating on social media and roundly condemn this abhorrent act. We are working together with on an immediate investigation and make it absolutely clear that there is no place in football or society for such appalling behaviour."

South Yorkshire police added: "We are working with Sheffield Wednesday FC to investigate an image circulated online, during the Sheffield derby football fixture on Sunday 10 November." Chloe Bannan, wife of Wednesday captain Barry Bannan, added: "That is absolutely abhorrent, and they're nothing to do with Wednesday."

Wednesday had organised a minute's applause for Baldock following his death and also laid flowers at a shrine at their rivals' ground ahead of an under-21 derby match. Sunday's match was also marred by missiles being thrown by both sets of supporters.

The game itself was a tense affair, with Tyrese Campbell's strike handing the Blades a win. Baldock's family previously issued an emotional statement in the wake of his sad death.

It read: "We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens.

"George, you were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person. Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.

"We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son. You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.

"As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched. It was impossible not to love him."

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