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Although the probability of fans at Bramall Lane being hit by off-target shots from Sheffield United players are higher than usual, first-hand stories of their manager being shown a red card for kicking a ball into a fan's face turned out to be misleading. Upon reviewing the video of the incident, it became clear that the coach had simply given in to a basic instinct to kick a football rolling toward him at halftime.

What Happened

As he walked off the pitch during the break, a ball was tossed in the direction of substitutes warming up and found its way right in the manager's path. Instinctively, the 58-year-old fulfilled what many would consider a common response for any football enthusiast and kicked the ball. Sadly, his casual swing contact was poorly timed, propelling it zooming into the stands, where it hit a fan in the face, knocking off his cap.

Right away, the manager waved an apology and climbed the steps to confirm that the individual was okay. After coming back pitchside, referee Adam Herczeg showed him a red card, which he took with little complaint. While certain quarters portrayed it as an act of aggression by a coach under stress, the truth appeared to be a simple accident—an example of terrible fortune for someone who reacted on instinct.

Consequences

Even though the bystander being fine, finding the humorous side, and now having a memorable story to share, it was probably correct that the coach was dismissed. Required to sit out the remainder of his side's resulting defeat, he now faces up to 3 more games on the sidelines just for mis-hitting a football.

Sheffield United has previously accumulated substantial penalties for what the Football Association termed an “very bad” stretch of conduct across multiple matches last season. In the current campaign, they have seen several key calls not go their way, including the after the final move to replace Wilder and hire Rubén Sellés before correcting that decision.

After the match, Wilder's deputy, Alan Knill, took on media duties and blamed the referees for the side's inability to secure a draw. He claimed that everyone in the ground witnessed the incidents in question, but the officials failed to, contributing to a frustrating outcome. However, he weakened his own point by mentioning a rightly awarded spot-kick for the opposition and a ruled-out header by Sydie Peck that might have secured a draw for the Blades.

Final Thoughts

In the end, as the two Wilder and the supporter in the stand now understand all too well, when your luck's out, it's really out. Be it a poorly struck ball or a debated refereeing decision, some things simply won't go your way, no matter how unlucky or accidental they may be.