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.
But, despite some late pressure, United held firm to condemn their rivals – who saw Gabriel Otegbayo sent off late on – to their fate.
The foundations 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 and Luton being hit with a 30-point penalty back in 20089-09, with both sides being relegated during those campaigns.
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, their players received a rousing reception from the travelling fans in emotional scenes as their fans prepare to return to the third tier three seasons after they were promoted.
Patrick BamfordKalvin Phillips
