Sheffield Wednesday became the first team in EFL history to be relegated in February after a 2-1 defeat by arch-rivals Sheffield United.
Wednesday have endured a torrid season amid a myriad of off-field problems, with the club eventually going into administration in October.
They have been deducted a total of 18 points across two separate deductions and have won just one of their 33 games.
Henrik Pedersen’s side remain on minus seven points and their fate was sealed in a Steel City derby against the Blades on Sunday at Bramall Lane.
It was always going to be a tough ask given Chris Wilder’s side were 49 points clear of their rivals ahead of kick off – and they went 2-0 up in the first half through goals from Patrick Bamford and Harrison Burrows.
However, when Kalvin Phillips was sent off for a bad challenge early in the second half, Wednesday had hope – and Charlie McNeill pulled a goal back just minutes later.
Sheffield Wednesday became the first EFL team to ever be relegated in the month of February
Wednesday’s fate was sealed after a 2-1 defeat by arch-rivals Sheffield United on Sunday
But, despite some late pressure, United held firm to condemn their rivals – who also had Gabriel Otegbayo sent off – to their fate.
At full-time things came to a head when Blades star Sydie Peck celebrated in front of the travelling fans, with several Owls players taking exception to this.
Once the drama had calmed down, they received a rousing reception in emotional scenes as the club now prepares to return to the third tier, three seasons after they were promoted.
Sheffield United’s players then posed for a team picture in front of The Kop Stand at Bramall Lane and made sure to enjoy their victory.
Nevertheless, Player of the Match Burrows didn’t try and rub salt into Wednesday’s wounds at full-time.
‘It’s just a derby game and we wanted to win it,’ he told Sky Sports when asked about the Owls’ relegation. ‘We needed the three points so that was in the back of our heads. (I guess) you know what it (relegating Wednesday) means to the fans and stuff like that.’
Pundit Lee Hendrie was also full of praise for Wednesday’s spirit and said they must now focus on building back up.
‘Credit to every single Sheffield Wednesday fan who has travelled,’ he added. ‘I watched them this afternoon and they’ve dealt with what has been coming.
Henrik Pedersen’s side are on minus seven points and they have lost 10 league games in a row
Sheffield United made sure to celebrate their derby day victory at Bramall Lane on Sunday
‘This was always going to be a tough ask so credit to the players, the manager, everyone involved in Sheffield Wednesday.
‘They dug deep, had a fight in the second half and it’s just one of them days. They are hard ones to digest but it wasn’t to be and you have to digest and go again.’
The seeds of their drop to League One were set last summer when the chaotic tenure of former owner Dejphon Chansiri came to a head after several missed monthly wage payments.
It resulted in a significant number of senior players departing, while boss Danny Rohl also exited.
Despite a preferred bidder having been selected in December the Owls remain in administration and they have been left with a young and threadbare squad who are ill-equipped to pick up points at this level.
Wednesday’s sole win this season came at Portsmouth back in September and they have lost their last 10 league games, scoring just twice and conceding 21 times over that period.
Their 18-point deduction is the third highest ever imposed in an EFL season, with Derby County having been docked 21 points in 2021-22, while Luton were hit with a 30-point penalty back in 2008-09. Both sides were relegated during those campaigns.
