Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder labelled his side’s travelling fans “a joke” as they chanted towards the players following a surprising 1-0 loss to Oxford United.
The Blades are deep in the hunt of finishing in the top two and returning to the Premier League. Should Wilder’s side have beaten Oxford, they would have set a club record of seven consecutive away wins and would have gone top of the table.
Following the game United’s players were subject to a difficult atmosphere from the travelling support, leading to Wilder calling those fans out.
“I think it’s an absolute disgrace to the players that represent the football club and what they have done this season,” Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield.
“I’m meeting it head on – it is a joke, it’s a disgrace.”
The Blades boss admitted the team wasn’t at their best for the game but didn’t understand the reception, given the teams positioning in the league and overall goal.
“If that’s what you think of the players then when we do have the good days then don’t be clapping, go home, be consistent.
“I appreciate all the support that we have had away from home and at home too, it’s been outstanding.
“We’ll need it on Tuesday night because we’ve got to lift the players because they’re disappointed about what happened on Saturday.”
All To Play For
| Position | Team | Played | GD | Points |
| 1. | Burnley | 40 | +43 | 84 |
| 2. | Sheff Utd | 40 | +26 | 83 |
| 3. | Leeds Utd | 40 | +51 | 82 |
The Championship promotion race is going to go down the wire and despite Saturday’s loss, Sheffield United are still right in the middle of it, with the top three being separated by just two points.
Whilst the Blades have to face two teams in a relegation battle in Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle, they face just one promotion chasing side, that team being direct rivals Burnley.
Wilder’s team has struggled against its promotion rivals, losing both games against Leeds United and their first game against Burnley.
Whilst Leeds have dropped several points over their last five games, the Blades had yet to do that. Get over this hump, then travelling to Burnley on Easter Monday, could be the title decider.
