Sheffield United fan posts embarrassing footage before Sunderland Wembley winner
Sunderland secured their return to the Premier League in dramatic fashion with a comeback 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
Things did not start so rosey in Saturday’s (24 May) Wembley showpiece, with Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien suffering a dislocated shoulder and Tyrese Campbell putting the Blades in front.
It looked as though things were about to worsen when Harrison Burrows struck but the second goal for Sheffield United was ruled out for offside by VAR.
The Black Cats then produced off a memorable comeback that started with Eliezer Mayenda scoring an equaliser, which preceded Tommy Watson scoring in added time to confirm their promotion to the Premier League.
It was that second goal that produced a rather hilarious moment from the United end at Wembley.
Sheffield United fan caught in unfortunate mishap
Naturally, the Blades fans were inconsolable as their side were denied a return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Chris Wilder’s side had a successful season in the Championship, only narrowly missing out on automatic promotion, and were the favourites heading into the match.
But, still, it is impossible not to laugh at a video that has been doing the rounds on social media following the games.
During the closing stages of extra time, a Blades fan filming from the stands expected Watson’s shot to go wide. He could be heard shouting “wheeeey” mere moments before his strike nestled in the bottom-right corner.
The video, posted on X, captured the embarrassing moment for the United fan but also the electric atmosphere as Sunderland took the lead in the dying minutes.
Now circulating on social media, the video gives United fans even more reason to want to forget the day entirely, especially after the VAR controversy.
On the contrary, Sunderland fans will cherish the moment, with Watson’s goal a bitter-sweet leaving present from the 19-year-old winger before he heads to Brighton.
Sunderland need support before next season
Despite the successful comeback and second-half performance at Wembley, Sunderland will need major activity in the summer transfer window ahead of their top-flight return.
| Sunderland | Sheffield |
| 57% Possession | 43% Possession |
| 0.71 xG | 1.46 xG |
| 7 Shots | 9 Shots |
In the Championship this season, the Black Cats finished 14 points below Sheffield United, losing 12 of their 46 matches.
With the Premier League tougher than ever for newly promoted sides, Sunderland need to secure the long-term future of their star players and attract new talent.
While Watson is confirmed to be leaving the club for Brighton, Sunderland trying to secure a loan-deal could help continue his momentum.
New talent has already been linked to the club, with Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat emerging as a potential target.
After the celebrations fade, Sunderland’s focus must shift to building a squad capable of competing in the Premier League, to ensure their return lasts longer than one season.