Sheffield Wednesday lost 2–1 to Sheffield United in the Steel City Derby, becoming the first team in English Football League history to be relegated.
The Blades had Kalvin Phillips sent off early in the second half to take a 2-0 lead, but the visitors were unable to fight back and had Gabriel Otegbayo sent off with a minute remaining.
Early goals from Patrick Bamford and Harrison Burrows put the home side in complete control.
Wednesday offered some hope when Charlie McNeil grabbed a goal four minutes after Phillips received a red card, but there was little hope of an equalizer at Bramall Lane.
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Kalvin Phillips red-hot after being caught high on Svante Ingelsson’s shin challenge
The demotion came during a season in which Wednesday was swimming against the tide after major off-the-field issues.
Wednesday was deducted 12 points in October after taking office, due to unpaid wages on various occasions during Digiphone Chansiri’s ownership of the club.
He was then given a further six point deduction in December for “multiple breaches of EFL regulations regarding payment obligations”.
The Owls have won just one and drawn eight times this season, sealing their fate as their arch-rivals deliver the final blow to end Wednesday’s Championship status after three seasons.
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Patrick Bamford scored just 75 seconds later to give Sheffield United an early lead.
Seny Dieng, signed on a seven-day emergency loan from Middlesbrough and the seventh keeper to play on Wednesday this season, had to pick the ball out of the net after just two minutes.
Joel Ndala’s poor clearance hit Gustavo Hamer just outside the penalty area, and he played a great ball to Bamford, who slotted home with ease.
As the home side looked to make a quick start, skipper Japhet Tanganga fired from a good position, Burrows’ shot went wide and Callum O’Hare’s shot beat Dieng but hit the keeper’s near post.
The second goal came in the 19th minute. A great move from the left saw Burrows’ run picked up by Sidi Peck, who fired confidently past Dieng.
A flare-up occurred in the first half after Hammer collided with Jamal Lowe, which brought most players together.
United were then reduced to 10 men, but four minutes into the game, Phillips was shown a red card for leaving his foot open following a challenge from Svante Ingelsson.
Wednesday created a man-advantage in the 53rd minute, with McNeil firing a shot from just inside the area and inside Michael Cooper’s left post for the first meaningful shot on goal.
However, they were unable to create another clear scoring chance.
And Otegbayo was sent off in the 90th minute after picking up a second yellow card for bringing down Tyrese Campbell, ending any hopes of a miraculous late comeback that would have saved the Owls from relegation for at least a few more days.
managers
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
“It wasn’t easy at all and that’s how it ended up.
“I was comfortable until I got sent off and credit to them for scoring the goal. I should have let it sleep after that, but after that we had to wait and see.
“We were hoping for a quick start, but the goal was even better. Great ball from Gussie (Hammer) and great finish from Pat (Bamford). Good players pop in that position, great players pick the right pass.”
“Everyone in football is aware that Sheffield Wednesday were relegated at the start of the season. I feel for Henrik and I know how much it hurts to lose one game.”
“I feel for the players too. They’re being proactive and doing the right things, but the team is so unprepared for the championship that it’s scary.”
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen:
“It’s very sad that something like this happened here (at Bramall Lane), but overall it’s very sad that a club like Sheffield Wednesday was relegated in February.”
“We have to keep working hard. We have to set high standards tomorrow and the day after. It doesn’t matter if we get relegated, we want to give the fans as many good games as possible.”
“We are all looking forward to making sure everyone understands what will happen to the club in the future.”
Wednesday Nightmare Season
3 June 2025: The club and then owner Digiphone Chansiri are charged with breaching EFL regulations regarding payment obligations.
June 18: The EFL on Wednesday imposes a three-window fee limit after late payments exceed 30 days between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
June 26: Chansiri says in a statement on the club’s official website that he is willing to sell the club.
27 June: New embargo imposed on club in relation to payments to HMRC.
June 30: Players and staff were not paid on time.
17 July: Josh Windass and Michael Smith leave the club by mutual consent.
29 July: Danny Rohr leaves his role as manager by mutual consent. The club has been forced to close its 9,255-seater North Stand in Hillsborough after Sheffield City Council issued a prohibition notice following a meeting with the local safety advisory group.
July 30: Players and staff were not paid on time.
July 31: Rohr’s assistant Henrik Pedersen signs a three-year contract to become the club’s new manager.
August 6: The EFL releases a statement explaining its position on the situation. “It is clear that the current owners need to deliver on their commitments to either fund the club to meet its obligations or sell it at fair market value to someone with deeper pockets, bringing an end to the current uncertainty and impasse.”
August 8: Transfer ban is lifted after outstanding payments are resolved, but fee restrictions remain in place.
August 10: The Owls lose 2-1 to Leicester in their Championship opener at the King Power Stadium.
August 13: North Stand ban notice lifted following “required professional safety assurances”.
September 4: On Wednesday, fans begin a protest against Chansiri in front of the Thai Embassy in London.
September 30th: Players and staff were not paid on time.
October 4: Wednesday lost 5-0 at home to Coventry. Kick-off was postponed after a group of fans stormed onto the Hillsborough pitch in protest against Chansiri.
October 14: Players and staff receive unpaid salaries starting in September.
16th October: News breaks that a liquidation claim of more than £1 million is imminent against HMRC.
October 22: Fans boycott home game against Middlesbrough on Wednesday. Official attendance numbers have not been announced.
October 24: Apply for administration on Wednesday and receive a 12 point deduction from the EFL. Reflecting on a “bittersweet day”, the Supporters Trust said: “We are absolutely delighted that Chansiri has left the club for good.”
October 27: Administrator and Chef Wed’s hopeful club could soon be sold to a new owner with four or five serious bidders interested.
October 30: Players and staff will receive their paychecks one day early.
December 1st: The club receives a further six point penalty for breaching specific EFL rules. Former owner Chansiri was also banned from owning or managing an EFL club for three years.
January 28: Club legend Barry Bannan heads to Millwall after playing 477 games over 10 years.
February 22nd: On Wednesday, we suffered the disgrace of being relegated to rivals Sheffield United. The club remains in a takeover impasse.
Wednesday’s remaining championship games
February 25: Norwich (A) – Live on Sky Sports
February 28: Southampton (H)
March 7: Derby (A)
March 10: Watford (H) – Live on Sky Sports
March 14: Ipswich (H)
March 21: Hull (A)
April 3: Stoke (A)
April 6: Leicester (H)
April 11: Coventry (A)
April 18: Charlton (H)
April 21: Middlesbrough (A)
April 25: Oxford (A)
May 2: West Brom (H)
