Know all details about the Sheffield Wednesday fan Brandon Pedryc, who is under investigation for mocking the death of George Baldock
Authorities have disclosed the identity of the Sheffield Wednesday supporter who mocked the tragic death of former Sheffield United player George Baldock, as police announce an investigation into the incident. Baldock, who had transferred to the Greek club Panathinaikos in May after seven years at Bramall Lane, was found deceased at his home near Athens on October 9 at the age of 31.
Who is Sheffield Wednesday football fan Brandon Pedryc who mocked the death of George Baldock
@RiverStewards Hope you’re dismissing Brandon Pedryc tomorrow after his disgraceful behaviour today at the Sheffield derby. Mocking the dead. pic.twitter.com/QUhc2Pt5SR
— Blair Noth (@BlairNoth) November 10, 2024
During a recent derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, a fan was reportedly seen with a message on his phone reading, “Where’s Baldock?” The individual was later identified as Brandon Pedryc, an alumnus of the University of Sheffield (2019-2022) and currently employed by River Stewardship Co. in Sheffield. It was also noted that Pedryc’s social media accounts on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn had since been deactivated.
University-educated surveyor Brandon Pedryc was pictured holding a the sign on his phone reading, ‘Where’s Baldock?’ during the Steel City derby on Sunday.
He now faces the prospect of losing his post with the River Stewardship Co in Sheffield, which has launched its own probe and a spokesman for the waterway maintenance firm today said it was taking the matter ‘seriously, extremely seriously’.
The company said in a statement: “We are aware of the image circulating in the media, which shows one of our employees at the Sheffield derby football match this weekend.
“The behaviour captured in the photo goes entirely against our values as an organisation. We are conducting an internal legal investigation as a matter of urgency.”
Just weeks ago the company had posted on social media announcing Brandon’s role as a quantity surveyor as the firm wrote on Facebook: ‘He’s been out and about getting stuck in and assisting in a river clean up with our friends at Riverlution!’
Pedryc attended the University of Sheffield between 2019 and 2022 and was a Geography student. He is in a relationship but the name of his girlfriend isn’t known.
His mom, Debbie runs a dog walking business in Barnsley, South Yorks.
A spokesperson for Sheffield Wednesday addressed the situation, acknowledging awareness of the circulating image and strongly condemning the behavior as reprehensible. The club emphasized its commitment to investigating the incident alongside South Yorkshire Police, underscoring that such actions hold no place in football or society.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed their active cooperation with Sheffield Wednesday FC to investigate the image, which surfaced online during the Sheffield derby on Sunday, 10 November. The incident drew swift backlash from fans and community members, including Chloe Bannan, wife of Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan, who described the act as “absolutely abhorrent” and asserted that it did not reflect the values of genuine Wednesday supporters.
How the football community reacted to Baldock’s death?
The Steel City derby, recognized as one of the most costly Championship matches to police, had previously incurred a £203,000 expense for South Yorkshire Police in March 2019. Ahead of Sunday’s game, South Yorkshire Police had reiterated their commitment to ensuring a safe event through collaboration with local authorities, both clubs, and the council.
Sacked in the morning! He’s getting sacked in the morning! @RiverStewards
Brandon Pedryc edition.
You silly fat baaaaastard. #SWFC #SUFC pic.twitter.com/NnlJoAblh3
— Oor Roy (@OorRoy) November 10, 2024
In memory of Baldock, numerous tributes poured in from the football world. His fiancée shared her grief, describing Baldock as her “soulmate,” while his former club, Sheffield United, remembered him as a beloved member of the Bramall Lane community. Panathinaikos, too, mourned the loss in a statement, offering their condolences and solidarity with his loved ones, reflecting the deep sadness felt by all who knew him.