A SHEFFIELD Wednesday fan has been spotted appearing to mock the tragic death of ex-Premier League star George Baldock.
Pictures show a man holding a phone up to rival Sheffield United supporters with the sick question “Where’s Baldock?” plastered across the screen.
Baldock, a Sheffield United legend, died back in October after drowning in Greece – as cops launch a probe over the “abhorrent act”.
United played Wednesday in the local Steel City derby for the first time since the defender’s death.
The derby match is known as one of the UK’s fiercest footballing contests with a number of high profile incidents in recent years.
An image of the man holding up his phone has been shared online by angry fellow supporters hitting out at his actions.
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Dressed in a black hoodie the Wednesday fan can be seen staring directly into the camera with his phone in his left hand.
Across the black screen reads the words “Where’s Baldock?” in white text.
Sheffield Wednesday have put out a statement regarding the incident condemning the “appalling behaviour” by their own fan.
They said: “The club are aware of an image circulating on social media and roundly condemn this abhorrent act.
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“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.”
Wife of Wednesday captain Barry Bannan also blasted the fan.
Chloe Bannan said: “That is absolutely abhorrent, and they’re nothing to do with Wednesday.”
The Sun has reached out to South Yorkshire police for comment.
Sheffield United took home all three points in the game after winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Tyrese Campbell.
Just one season earlier, young Bradley Lowery – a loyal Sunderland fan who died of cancer – was also mocked by Sheffield Wednesday fans at a game.
Vile yobs flashed a picture of Lowery in the stands of a match at Hillsborough as they laughed at their own sick joke.
Baldock’s funeral was held at the end of October with fellow footie stars Dele Alli and Dean Henderson among the players at the sombre ceremony.
Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock had Greek roots through his grandmother and played for the country 12 times.
He graduated from MK Dons’ youth set-up, where Alli also played before his move to Tottenham in 2015.
Paying a heartbreaking tribute to Baldock earlier this month, Alli said it had been an “honor to know” him.
He wrote on Instagram: “No words I could type or pictures I could use would ever be enough.
“May your spirit, ambition, determination and humility live on through those who had the honour of knowing you!
“I love you brother and will miss you forever!
“My thoughts, prayers and heart goes out to your family! Rest in peace Balders.”
Baldock made his name with the Blades, playing over 200 times for the club 2017 and 2024.
He had joined Panathinaikos from the South Yorkshire side this summer.
The defender made four appearances for the Greek side this season, including three in the league.
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Baldock was found unresponsive in his private swimming pool just a day after his final match.
He was also due to fly back to the UK to see his fiancee Annabel and son Brody hours after he was discovered.
Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George Baldock
By Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports Reporter
IT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.
A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.
But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…
That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.
Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 Premier League minutes – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.
The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.
However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.
Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.
It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.
Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.
It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.
The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.
The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.
Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.
“Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”
Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.
He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.
He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.
But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
