Sheffield Wednesday safety concern raised after Sheffield United match - FA to take action | OneFootball

The trouble began in the 11th minute when Tyrese Campbell opened the scoring for the Blades

Sheffield Wednesday released a statement on Thursday confirming that the FA have begun their investigation into the incidents that marred the 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Sunday.

The trouble began in the 11th minute when Tyrese Campbell opened the scoring for the Blades, with Sky Sports cameras capturing several objects being thrown by home supporters in the immediate aftermath of the goal.

According to The Star, referee David Webb was seen passing an object to his fourth official later on in the game - that was again directed towards a United player.

FA launches investigation into Hillsborough incident between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United

The Owls made clear in their official statement that this apparent behaviour represents a serious breach of stadium safety protocols and is completely unacceptable.

Working alongside South Yorkshire Police, Wednesday are using "enhanced CCTV imagery" to identify those responsible for throwing the objects.

The club placed emphasis on how it was just a "tiny minority" of fans in attendance on Sunday reportedly doing this - but said anyone found to have been taking part will face the "maximum possible sanctions."

Given this wording, the sanctions could possibly extend to a level 3 fine under section 2 of the Football Offences Act 1991.

A level 3 fine is the maximum penalty given for "missile throwing, which is what this incident is most likely going to be classed as.

It carries a maximum cash fine of £1,000, according to the sentencing council fine bands.

As alluded to by the club in the aforementioned statement, this is not the first occasion on which Sheffield Wednesday have faced scrutiny for supporter conduct during a Steel City derby.

In 2019, Sheffield United centre-back Jack O'Connell was targeted with coins and a plastic bottle during a similar encounter at Hillsborough, an incident that was investigated by the FA at that time.

The fact that Sunday's incidents were captured by television cameras has only intensified concerns that identification and prosecution will likely follow.

However, the Owls did use their statement to praise the responsible behaviour of the majority of Wednesdayites and have launched their Report an Incident service.

This encourages supporters to text a number in real time if they witness any incident of concern or have information relating to Sunday's incidents, which can also be done via email.

Wednesday concluded their statement by saying they "can, and will" stamp out this behaviour, with the help of everyone.

Given that there are three concrete bids submitted for the club, all in excess of £30m as per Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, you can understand how this is very much an unwanted situation.