Exclusive: Sheffield Wednesday fan rushed for treatment after ear bite incident before Millwall game

A Sheffield Wednesday supporter required hospital treatment after reportedly having part of his ear bitten in an altercation before Saturday’s fixture against Millwall.

Although South Yorkshire Police initially declined to comment, it later emerged that officers are investigating the incident, which is said to have taken place outside Hillsborough shortly before kick-off. Witnesses reported a fight breaking out on the bridge near the South Stand at around 2.50pm, in front of dozens of onlookers. Two arrests were understood to have been made. Millwall, who are pushing for promotion, went on to secure a 2-1 victory.

Sheffield Wednesday are assisting police with their enquiries. The injured home supporter, believed to be in his 40s, required stitches to his ear but is said to be recovering well.

Police have since confirmed that a 22-year-old man, thought to be a Millwall fan, was arrested. A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said they received a report at 2.48pm of an altercation on the concourse outside Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield.

It was alleged that one man assaulted another, leaving the victim with an ear injury. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Elsewhere, the Premier League is preparing to approach IFAB to request that certain proposed extensions to the VAR system be left to individual competitions to decide upon. Officials are due to vote next weekend in Wales on potential additions, including reviews for second yellow cards and wrongly awarded corners.

While there appears to be broad support for reviewing second yellow cards, league officials are keen for any change regarding corners to be optional at domestic level, with further consultation required before implementation.

Plans to curb time-wasting such as countdown clocks for throw-ins and goal-kicks, as well as a 10-second rule for substitutions are not expected to face opposition from Premier League clubs.

Meanwhile, the government is stepping up pressure over football’s handling of dementia cases among former players. Sports Minister Steph Peacock is set to host a roundtable meeting on February 24 in Westminster with representatives from the Premier League, PFA, FA and EFL. Campaign group Football Families For Justice has argued that the current £1m-a-year Football Brain Health Fund falls far short of the support required.

In European football, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has hinted he could reconsider his earlier pledge not to seek re-election in 2027. Two years ago, Ceferin stated he would step aside following controversial rule changes that could have allowed him to remain in office until 2031.

However, speaking to Slovenian media at UEFA’s congress in Brussels last week, he suggested there is still time to make a final decision, noting that a significant majority of the 55 member associations have encouraged him to stand again. A decision must be made before November 4, ahead of elections scheduled for next March.