Sheffield Wednesday condemn 'grossly offensive' social media post as player reports ‘vile’ abuse to police

Owls’ star midfielder Barry Bannan received the post on his Instagram site on Tuesday night, on a ‘story’ he had shared with his 14,500 followers.

The Scotland international has since reported the comment to South Yorkshire Police and the club say they are awaiting a response from both them and Instagram.

A Sheffield Wednesday spokesperson said: “We were aware immediately of this grossly offensive post and roundly condemn such behaviour in the strongest possible tone.

“The offender has been reported to the respective social media platform and we await a response once more detail has been established.

“In the meantime, I can confirm that Barry was appalled by this vile online abuse and has reported the incident to the police as a result.”

No details have been given of the post’s contents but Wednesday fans who had seen the message reacted angrily on social media earlier this week, calling for the offender to be brought to justice.

One said he had been ‘horrified’ by the message that was sent, calling it ‘shameful’ and saying it was ‘scandalous’ that people could feel posting content of this kind was in any way acceptable.

“Social media platforms must act to prevent this kind of stuff pronto,” he added.

Another said he hoped the ‘vile excuse of a man’ who sent it would be caught soon, calling the offender the ‘lowest of the low’.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.