Sheffield United Manager Chris Wilder Charged After Kicking Ball into Crowd

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) following an incident during his side’s home defeat to Southampton.

The 58-year-old was sent off after the half-time whistle for kicking a ball into the stand, which struck a spectator. Wilder later said he would appeal against any suspension resulting from the incident.

The FA has confirmed that Wilder has until Wednesday, 8 October, to formally respond to the charge.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield last week, the Blades manager defended his actions, insisting the event had been blown out of proportion:

“If I’d approached the referee at half-time and had a proper go at him, or if I’d deliberately kicked the ball at him or the fourth official, then I’d expect the necessary punishment and wouldn’t appeal,” Wilder explained.

“But I will appeal because, as you’ve seen, I just nonchalantly knocked it back — it’s taken off a bit. I went straight into the stand, apologised to the guy, everything was fine, and then I turned around and had a red card put in my face.”

The incident occurred during Sheffield United’s Championship clash with Southampton at Bramall Lane, which ended in defeat for the hosts.

The Blades currently sit bottom of the Championship table, having lost eight of their opening nine league matches this season.