Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has responded to offensive chants directed at him during his team's 2-1 Championship victory at Peterborough United. The 36-year-old midfielder played a key role in the win at London Road on Saturday.
Bannan was the subject of 'sex offender' chants from sections of the home support during the first half. The father of two addressed the issue directly after the final whistle. He confirmed the songs affected him but also served as motivation on the pitch.
Barry Bannan took issue with match officials regarding the chants during the game. After the final whistle, he spoke candidly about the experience. "It spurs me on and I was praying we held out so I could get my own back at the end of the game," Bannan said. He acknowledged that while he thrives on normal football banter, this crossed a line, especially given his family status.
The veteran playmaker helped create the opening goal for Sheffield Wednesday, contributing to a vital three points. He expressed relief that his team secured the victory, allowing him a measure of personal satisfaction. "I got the last laugh because we won and I gave them a bit back in the end," Bannan stated. His performance showed his continued importance to the side despite his age.
This win comes after a historically tough campaign for Sheffield Wednesday. The club ended the 2025 Championship season in last place, recording only two wins from 46 matches. Their final tally showed 2 wins, 12 draws, and 32 losses, leaving them 95 points behind champions Coventry City. The team's goal difference of -60, from 29 goals scored and 89 conceded, highlighted the scale of the challenge.
The victory at Peterborough represents a positive step in a new direction. This result also builds on a recent form line that had shown signs of life with draws.
At 36, Barry Bannan remains a central figure for Sheffield Wednesday. His experience and quality on the ball are assets the team relies upon. His response to adversity during the Peterborough match demonstrated his leadership and competitive spirit. These qualities will be essential as the Owls look to rebuild and improve upon their previous season's finish.
His ability to influence games from midfield makes him a player opponents often target, both tactically and, in this case, verbally from the stands.
The focus now shifts to maintaining momentum. Securing an away win against a fellow Championship side provides a foundation for confidence. The team will look to build a more consistent run of results to distance themselves from the struggles of the past year.
Sheffield Wednesday's next fixture is a home match at Hillsborough scheduled for Saturday, September 12th.
