The Sheffield Wednesday supporter who made fun of former Sheffield United player George Baldock’s passing has been identified.
Born in England, but having played football for Greece since 2022, Baldock was discovered dead in a swimming pool at his residence outside of Athens on October 9.
Despite being a homegrown favourite, he has been playing for Panathinaikos since joining the 20-time Greek winners from the Blades in May. He made 219 appearances for United.
Since then, United has been grieving his passing, and in the weeks after his untimely demise, the club has received innumerable tributes from both current and former stars.
‘Where’s Baldock?’ appeared to be shown on a fan’s phone as the Blades played their first match against rivals since the Sunday incident. He is now identifiable.
The fan in question is a surveyor with a university degree named Brandon Pedryc.
When Pedryc first began working at River Stewardship Co. in Sheffield, he communicated news of his job there.
They posted on social media: ‘Welcome Brandon! Brandon joined River Stewardship Company few weeks ago as our Quantity Surveyor!
‘He’s been out and about getting stuck in and assisting in a river clean up with our friends at Riverlution!’ They offered no comment when contacted by Mail Sport.
Pedryc attended the University of Sheffield between 2019 and 2022 and was a Geography student. He is also in a relationship.
His Facebook, X and LinkedIn accounts are believed to have been taken down.
In the aftermath of Sunday’s unsavoury incident, social media was awash with users condemning the apparent actions of the fan, with Chloe Bannan, wife of Wednesday captain Barry Bannan, saying: ‘That is absolutely abhorrent, and they’re nothing to do with Wednesday.’
A Sheffield Wednesday spokesperson said: ‘The club are aware of an image circulating on social media and roundly condemn this abhorrent act.
‘We are working together with South Yorkshire Police on an immediate investigation and make it absolutely clear that there is no place in football or society for such appalling behaviour.’
In March 2019, South Yorkshire Police spent £203,000 on the Steel City derby, which is thought to be the most costly Championship match for police.
“We are working closely with both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, as well as the local council, ahead of this exciting derby match to ensure that everyone can enjoy the match,” South Yorkshire Police stated prior to Sunday’s contest.
Tyrese Campbell had to score the game’s sole goal in the second half to give the Blades a memorable victory in the first meeting between the two teams in more than five years. The match itself was a tense affair.
With Chris Wilder’s team now tied on points, there were wild celebrations at Bramall Lane as the final whistle blew with Sunderland, the champions.
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