Sheffield Fan Fined for Mocking George Baldock’s Death

A Sheffield supporter has been fined £300 and banned from attending football matches for three years after displaying a message at a high-profile derby mocking the death of former Sheffield United player and Greek international, George Baldock.

The incident occurred during the Steel City derby at Bramall Lane on November 11, where 23-year-old Brandon Pedryc held up a phone displaying the message "Where’s Baldock?" The phrase referred to Baldock, who tragically passed away in Greece in October at the age of 31.

During a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Marcus Waite described Pedryc’s behavior as a "moment of madness." While the judge accepted Pedryc’s claim that he had been provoked by objects and spittle thrown at him by rival fans, he noted the significant distress caused by the incident.

“There was significant upset caused,” Judge Waite said, emphasizing the emotional harm to Baldock’s family and friends, as well as Sheffield United fans. “You may have been provoked, but you reacted by raising the stakes, risking greater disorder.”

Despite the backlash, the court heard how Pedryc approached a police officer within an hour of the incident after realising the message had gone viral on social media. He described the act to police as a "sick joke" meant to antagonise United fans and later expressed deep remorse in a letter to the court.

Pedryc, from Barnsley, pleaded guilty to displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. In addition to the fine, he was ordered to pay £205 in costs and surcharges.

Defense attorney Alex Nolan highlighted the severe consequences Pedryc had already faced, including the loss of his £30,000 job. He also cited Pedryc’s struggles with mental health and argued that the incident was an uncharacteristic lapse in judgment.

George Baldock, remembered as a talented right-back, made 219 appearances for Sheffield United over seven seasons before joining Panathinaikos in Greece. His sudden death in Athens deeply affected the football community in both England and Greece.

Baldock’s legacy endures among fans of both clubs, with the incident underscoring the need for greater sensitivity in heated football rivalries.