Chris Wilder sent off after blasting ball into the face of supporter during clash

Chris Wilder was sent off in bizarre circumstances during Sheffield United's Championship clash with Southampton at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon

Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter

21:22, 30 Sep 2025

Chris Wilder was sent off after blasting the ball into the crowd(Image: Sky Sports)

Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder has been shown the red card after unintentionally hitting a Blades fan with a football that he booted into the Bramall Lane crowd.

Just weeks after his unexpected comeback to the club, Wilder was dismissed in peculiar circumstances during his team's match against Southampton. His squad headed into the half-time break leading the Saints 1-0, thanks to a goal from Tyrese Campbell.

In the closing moments of the first half, Will Still's team won a penalty, which was fluffed by Saints striker Adam Armstrong. As Wilder was heading to the tunnel, chatting to one of his players, a ball rolled towards him.

He was then spotted charging at the ball and booting it into the stands with his laces.

He instantly raised his hand to apologise to the fan who was hit by the football.

[Chris Wilder apologising to a Sheffield United supporter in the stands]

Chris Wilder immediately looked to apologise to the supporter(Image: X/SkyFootball)

Recounting the incident on Sky Sports News, anchor Julian Warren said: "They're walking off and Wilder sees a ball and puts his left boot through it," reports the Mirror.

"The problem was, he puts his hands up as he acknowledges that in kicking it, he kicks it into the crowd and it hits one of the home fans.

"Straight to the gentlemen in question, he apologises and the fan in fairness has a smile on his face."

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"Hes not even hit it with any venom and gone straight over to apologise, hows he been sent off for that," one fan questioned.

"Absolutely disgusting 10 points deduction for Wednesday," a second joked. As a third replied: "Id get him in the squad with a shot like that on him!"

Article continues below

And another added: "Reckon he could do a better job than Richarlison!"

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