Sheffield Wednesday have issued a warm-hearted - but slightly bizarre - statement of congratulations to Sheffield United on their promotion to the Premier League.
The Blades were promoted this weekend after rivals Leeds United drew 1-1 against Aston Villa in an, in itself bizarre, Championship match.
Owner Dejphon Chansiri wrote a short note to their Steel City neighbours, to a somewhat tepid response from the Owls faithful.
"Few things in life unite and divide opinion like football. But one thing at this stage of every season is undebatable and I would like to offer the warm congratulations of everyone at Sheffield Wednesday to everyone at our neighbours Sheffield United for their achievement of promotion," said Chansiri in a statement posted to SWFC.co.uk.
"We may be rivals but we are friends of the same city that holds such unique tradition in the football world. Recognition in the Premier League can only benefit Sheffield and we wish United well, whilst promising our loyal supporters that we will be giving our absolute best to ensure Wednesday will be tasting the same success this time next year.
"We must also congratulate Norwich City on their promotion and offer our commiserations to Ipswich Town, Bolton Wanderers and Rotherham United. We wish you a speedy return to the Championship."
While a wonderful sentiment, and necessary in times where strife can seem ubiquitous in the United Kingdom the reactions from some Owls fans have been mainly bemusement or outright despair.
— 🦦 (@AbzSWFC) April 30, 2019
— Olly Scott (@olly13x) April 30, 2019
And United fans were not long in joining in the fun...
— Blades Mad (@Blades_Mad) April 30, 2019
Chansiri has overseen a turbulent time at the club, joining in January 2015 and overseeing a significant churn of managers - although the club have performed well enough this season to just miss out on the play-offs for the Premier League.
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