Chris Wilder was sent off for kicking a ball that hit a supporter in the crowd as Sheffield United threw away the lead in a 2-1 defeat to Southampton at Bramall Lane.

The rock-bottom Blades went ahead in Tuesday’s contest courtesy of a fine Tyrese Campbell opener, and their luck appeared to be in when Adam Armstrong skied a first-half injury-time penalty over the crossbar.

Wilder was seemingly irked by the penalty award when walking off at half-time, though, and booted a ball into the stands that struck a fan. The United boss went over to apologise but was shown a red card by referee Adam Herczeg.

His night worsened in the second half as Ross Stewart scored twice in the space of seven minutes to turn the game on its head. The Blades – who also saw Sydie Peck have a goal ruled out – have now lost each of their four games at Bramall Lane this season, their worst start at home since 1954.

Narrow defeat at Bramall Lane. pic.twitter.com/wBdsvlB7n6

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 30, 2025

Middlesbrough and Stoke City played out a goalless draw at the Riverside Stadium in a table-topping clash.

Home boss Rob Edwards was frustrated as he felt Tommy Conway should have had a first-half penalty when booked for simulation, but neither side could find a winning goal.

Demarai Gray smashed in a 99th-minute leveller to deny financially stricken Sheffield Wednesday in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.

Goals from Jamal Lowe and George Brown had cancelled out Jay Stansfield’s opener, but the Owls were denied at the death.

Bristol City and Leicester City, who sit fourth and fifth, played out respective 1-1 home draws with Ipswich Town and Wrexham, while it was the same scoreline between Charlton Athletic and Derby County.

Elsewhere, Preston North End remain sixth after a 2-2 draw at Hull City – Oli McBurnie scored twice to peg back the Lilywhites, who had led 2-0. And Swansea City were 2-1 victors at Blackburn Rovers thanks to Liam Cullen’s second-half winner.

Data Debrief: Blades come crashing down

Sheffield United earned their first win of the season with their 1-0 win over Oxford United at the weekend, but they remain rooted to the bottom of the table after a seventh loss.

They have now lost their last five league meetings with Southampton (previous four in the Premier League in 2019-20 and 2020-21). It is the first time they have lost five in a row against the Saints.

Having held off Southampton’s first-half push, they will be disappointed to have let the lead slip – Will Still’s side scored with both shots on target after the break.