Sheffield Wednesday fan's Owls-mad dog gets its own seat at Hillsborough

Keen-eyed Sheffield Wednesday fans may spot a new – distinctively furry – face in the stands this weekend.
By Robert Cumber
Published 19th Jun 2020, 16:06 BST
Updated 19th Jun 2020, 16:19 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Owls’ Championship campaign gets back underway when they host Nottingham Forest tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, and although the match will take place behind closed doors fans were invited to pay for a cardboard cut-out of themselves or a loved one to occupy the stands at Hillsborough.

Sheffield Wednesday LIVE: Forest out for revenge as they travel to Hillsborough

Scores of supporters leapt at the chance, coughing up £25 each for the honour, but one went the extra mile and paid for his beloved dog to be represented at the ground.

Barney's owner Ian says the mutt has loved playing with Sheffield Wednesday footballs since he was a puppyBarney's owner Ian says the mutt has loved playing with Sheffield Wednesday footballs since he was a puppy
Barney's owner Ian says the mutt has loved playing with Sheffield Wednesday footballs since he was a puppy
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A photo of Barney – named after the club mascot – taking his place among the faithful has gone viral on Twitter, being shared thousands of times.

Barney’s master, who asked to be named only as Ian, said the mutt would be thrilled to be there as he shares his owner’s passion for the men and women in blue and white.

Sheffield recycling centres extend opening hours in bid to reduce queues

“Barney didn’t want us to take the shirt off when my wife Donna took the photo but then again he’s been playing with a Wednesday football since he was a pup and loves blue-and-white footballs,” said Ian.

A close-up of Barney in the stands at Hillsborough (pic: Sheffield Wednesday)A close-up of Barney in the stands at Hillsborough (pic: Sheffield Wednesday)
A close-up of Barney in the stands at Hillsborough (pic: Sheffield Wednesday)

“He turned one on April 26 and I did this to put a smile on everyone’s face during these unprecedented times but I never thought it would go viral like this. I believe there have now been over 400,000 media interactions worldwide.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ve got our fingers and paws crossed that he’ll bring us some luck on Saturday.”

Sheffield unites in grief after baby with Covid-19 dies at Children’s Hospital

Barney will be sure to go barking mad if the Owls take the lead against Forest, and he’ll be hoping the hosts don’t get any ‘ruff’ justice like rivals Sheffield United experienced in their clash with Aston Villa.

A cardboard cut-out of Barney the dog will grace the stands for Sheffield Wednesday's clash against Notiingham Forest at Hillsborough on SaturdayA cardboard cut-out of Barney the dog will grace the stands for Sheffield Wednesday's clash against Notiingham Forest at Hillsborough on Saturday
A cardboard cut-out of Barney the dog will grace the stands for Sheffield Wednesday's clash against Notiingham Forest at Hillsborough on Saturday

The deadline to get your cardboard cut-out in place for the Forest match has passed but fans can still sign up to get a print-out added to the North Stand for subsequent home games.

Once the season is over, supporters will be able to collect their personalised cut-out to keep as a memento of a campaign like no other.

Related topics:Nottingham ForestSheffieldSheffield UnitedHillsborough