NOTTINGHAM FOREST beat Sheffield United 3-2 on penalties to book their place in the Championship play-off final.
But the triumph was soured by a disgraceful fan attack on Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp during the post-game pitch invasion, which left the player needing stitches.
And in a separate video, Sharp’s furious team-mate Oli McBurnie appeared to kick a Nottingham Forest fan in the head while he was on the ground.
Sheffield United said of the McBurnie incident: “There were football fans on the pitch, where they shouldn’t have been, and he was acting in self defence.
“The video doesn’t show what happened before – or after – and it does not show that any contact was made.”
- Result: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Sheff Utd (3-3 on agg; Forest won 3-2 on pens)
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Attack fan branded a “coward”
Ally McCoist has labelled the fan who attacked Billy Sharp as a “coward.”
McCoist raged on talkSPORT: “It’s as cowardly an act as I have seen at a football ground maybe ever.
Billy Sharp is looking disappointed at how things are going, and some idiot, absolute idiot comes from his blindside and puts a head on him, gives him stitches.
“It is an absolute disgrace, do you know who the guy is? He is a coward. That’s what he is. It’s the worst thing you can call any man, believe me. The worst thing you can call a man is a coward and that’s exactly what he is. Coming in on Billy Sharp’s blindside, didn’t see him, no chance to protect himself.
“It was absolutely shocking and it took the gloss off.
“I don’t care what anyone says I’m delighted for Forest, Steve Cooper has done a wonderful job let’s not get away from it and I’m looking forward to the game against Huddersfield so congratulations, but I am telling you that has taken the shine off that Forest result, no doubt about it. Scandalous.”
Agbonlahor calls for action
Gabby Agbonlahor has given his thoughts on the Billy Sharp fan incident.
He said on talkSPORT: “You don’t know what fans are going to do, that’s the problem.
“Sometimes it might even be the player that plays for the team the fans are coming on for.
“It doesn’t mean that because you’re playing for, for instance last night, Nottingham Forest that every fan is going to love you.
“You might have upset a fan or… So it is very dangerous. They need more stewards, more police and maybe punishments for the clubs that allow the fans to get on the pitch.
“You can stop them. I think it’s become a thing where they let the fans on, it’s a big occasion. But it needs to stop.”
Forest face Prem punishment
Nottingham Forest could face a Premier League punishment after the Billy Sharp attack.
Forest are just one game away from Prem promotion after they beat Sheffield United on Tuesday night.
But after Sharp was attacked by a Forest fan, the Daily Star report that Forest’s first game in the Prem may have to be played behind closed doors if they win the play-off final.
Forest fans raise Sharp cash
Nottingham Forest fans have decided to raise money in support of Billy Sharp.
Sharp was left needing stitches after a brutal attack by a Forest fan.
But Forest supporters have rallied together to raise cash for a charity of Sharp’s choice.
The group labelled, A Just Giving Page was launched to; “to show our condemnation as Forest fans.”
And so far the Forest collective have pulled in £2,600.
Sharp attack was “absolute disgrace”
The attack on Billy Sharp was an ‘absolute disgrace,’ according to ex-Nottingham Forest star Michael Dawson.
Dawson’s horror comes after the UK’s football police revealed that arrests at football matches across the top five English leagues were at their highest levels in years, according to the BBC.
And the report also stated fan disorder was “getting worse”.
Billy Sharp releases statement
Billy Sharp released a statement after after the vicious attack by a pitch-invading Nottingham Forest fan that left him needing stitches.
It read: “One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football.
“Congratulations to Nottingham Forest on their victory and good luck in the final. As an ex Forest player I will not let one scumbag ruin my respect for the Forest fans.
“Incredibly proud to be captain of this group of Sheffield United players, they gave their all and can hold their heads up high. We will be back and go again. Thanks for all your messages of support after the incident.”
Sharp was left needing stitches
Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was left needing stitches after a vicious attack by a pitch-invading Nottingham Forest fan during wild celebrations at the City Ground.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault following the incident.
A club spokesperson confirmed to media that Sharp was left needing stitches after the disgusting incident.
Furious United manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “It’s assault. We’ve seen one of our players attacked.
“He’s shook up, bleeding, angry. It’ll be dealt with.”
More on Forest fan ‘stomp’
Decked out in the club’s tracksuit, the 25-year-old Scottish international appears to have been chasing an individual, who falls to the ground, as another teammate is pulled away.
And the 6ft 2in powerhouse then starts stamping his leg on the floored fan before a melee of bodies get involved and the forward is pushed away amid the chaos.
A supporter, who appeared to be filming the scenes on his phone, can then be heard shouting: “Sheffield United player just stamped!”
A Sheffield United spokesman refused to comment.
Forest fan gets ‘stamped on’
Sheffield United star Oli McBurnie appeared to stamp on a Nottingham Forest supporter amid the chaos following last night’s play-off clash.
After Forest’s place in the Championship play-off final was confirmed, thousands of supporters invaded the pitch from the stands to celebrate.
However, the night was marred when Blades captain Billy Sharp, who was watching the penalties from the touchline, was viciously attacked by a home supporter.
Police have confirmed that they have arrested a 31-year-old man following the assault that left the striker needing stitches.
However, another investigation is likely to be launched after fellow United striker McBurnie, who was injured for the clash, appeared to stamp on a Forest supporter during the pitch invasion.
More from EFL
Partial ground closures or ordering teams to play behind closed doors are now on the EFL agenda.
Their statement pointed out: “Supporters are reminded that it is against the law to enter the pitch at any time and could result in a club ban and criminal record.
“More importantly it puts the safety of players, coaches, managers and match officials at risk.
“It is vital that those playing the game can do so safe in the knowledge that they will not be subjected to violent, threatening or anti-social behaviour going forward.”
EFL bosses statement
Speaking on the new measures, a spokesman said: “We recognise that this lawlessness is being conducted by a small minority of individuals and that the majority of people attending matches are a credit to their club.
“However, it is not acceptable for supporters to enter the field of play at any time given the EFL’s objective is to ensure our matches remain a safe and welcoming one for all.
“Over the summer we will consider what further measures are now at our disposal, including the potential use of capacity reductions or other similar mitigations.”
EFL fan violence crackdown
A crackdown on fan violence chaos could see EFL grounds closed next season, MARTIN LIPTON WRITES.
League chiefs are ready to bring in new hardline rules in the wake of a series of incidents this term.
The disgraceful and cowardly assault on Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp by a Nottingham Forest fan after the Reds’ Championship play-off semi-final win at the City Ground has prompted a new demand for action.
But EFL bosses have opted to act now with a strong upgrade in policy to come into effect in August.
EFL: Pitch invasions under investigation
The English Football League have released a strongly-worded statement following events that marred both Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield’s play-off semi-final wins this week, not least the incident in which Billy Sharp was assaulted.
It reads: “Unfortunately, at recent end-of season and Play-Off Semi-Final fixtures we have witnessed a number of unsavoury and unacceptable incidents take place with supporters entering the field of play.
“These are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities and the EFL condemns in the strongest possible terms the reckless actions of individuals who have brought the game into disrepute with this unacceptable behaviour. The League is working closely with the Police and Clubs, offering its full support to the ongoing investigations.
“Supporters are reminded that it is against the law to enter the pitch at any time and could result in a Club ban and criminal record. More importantly it puts the safety of players, coaches, managers and match officials at risk. It is vital that those playing the game can do so safe in the knowledge that they will not be subjected to violent, threatening or anti-social behaviour going forward.”
Sharp: Idiot ruined unbelievable night
Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp has spoken out following his assault at the end of last night’s play-off semi-final with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Blades captain was attacked by a home supporter as he watched on from the sidelines following his team’s penalty shootout defeat.
The shocking incident marred what had been a brilliant game, one in which United had fought back from 3-1 down on aggregate to level the tie.
However, the South Yorkshire side were unable to get the better of Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba in the shootout with the hosts’ victory sparking a mass pitch invasion.
Sharp tweeted this morning: “One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football.
“Congratulations to Nottingham Forest on victory and good luck in the final. As an ex Forest player I will not let one scumbag ruin my respect for the Forest fans.
“Incredibly proud to be captain of this group of Sheffield United players, they gave their all and can hold their heads up high. We will be back and go again. Thanks for all your messages and support after the incident.”
Suspect arrested after Sharp assault
Police have confirmed that they have arrested a 31-year-old man following the assault on Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp at the end of last night’s play-off at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.
Sharp was left needing stitches after being aggressively knocked to the floor by a supporter that had run on to the pitch to celebrate Forest’s penalty shootout success.
The shocking incident marred a thrilling Championship play-off semi-final, and has brought calls for both police and internal club investigations.
Striker Sharp had not been involved in the encounter due to injury, and had been stood on the touchlines when the attack occurred.
Chief Inspector Paul Hennessy, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with this incident. He remains in custody and will be questioned by officers.
“Our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing. We have spoken to the player concerned and we are working with both clubs who are supporting us with our investigation.”
Billy Sharp latest
Nottingham Forest beat Sheffield United via a thrilling penalty shootout to reach the Championship play-off final.
But the victory was soured after a fan shockingly attacked Blades star Billy Sharp in the post-match pitch invasion.
Sharp needed stitches after the attack and Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom said Sharp was shaken, bleeding and angry.
Heckingbottom said: “It’s assault. We’ve seen one of our players attacked.
“He’s shook up, bleeding, angry. It’ll be dealt with.”
Nottingham Forest released a statement after the disgraceful attack.
It read: “Nottingham Forest Football Club are appalled to learn that our former player, Billy Sharp, was assaulted leaving the pitch after tonight’s match at The City Ground.
“The club will work with the authorities to locate the individual in order they are held to account for their actions, which will include a life ban from Nottingham Forest.
“The club would also like to apologise to Billy personally and to Sheffield United Football Club.”
Billy Sharp attack
Furious Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “We’re seeing things thrown on the pitch and things that are thrown on putting players’ health and safety in danger and nothing’s ever done about it.
“There will be something done about that. We’ve seen what’s happened, we know what’s happened.
“There’s a prison sentence there without a doubt.”
Billy Sharp attack
The yob ran full speed at Sharp and sent him crashing to the floor with an apparent headbutt.
Sky Sports video captured a man run full speed at Sharp before smashing him to the ground in shocking scenes.
Latest – Sharp needing stitches
Billy Sharp has been left needing stitches after a vicious attack by a pitch invader during celebrations at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest statement
Nottingham Forest have released a statement after the disgraceful attack.
It read: “Nottingham Forest Football Club are appalled to learn that our former player, Billy Sharp, was assaulted leaving the pitch after tonight’s match at The City Ground.
“The club will work with the authorities to locate the individual in order they are held to account for their actions, which will include a life ban from Nottingham Forest.
“The club would also like to apologise to Billy personally and to Sheffield United Football Club.”
Latest on Sharp’s condition
Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom has said Billy Sharp is shook up and bleeding after the attack.
Heckingbottom said: “It’s assault. We’ve seen one of our players attacked.
“He’s shook up, bleeding, angry. It’ll be dealt with.”
Billy Sharp attack – latest
The yob ran full speed at Sharp and sent him crashing to the floor with an apparent headbutt.
Sky Sports video captured a man run full speed at Sharp before smashing him to the ground in shocking scenes.
Credit: Sky Sports Billy Sharp attack – latest
More from Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom: “How can you come to a place of work minding your own business and be assaulted in that fashion?
“It’s just bang out of order and it’s everything that’s wrong. Too many times we hear people condemn it, but nothing’s done about it. We’re the ones that suffered.
“It’s upsetting for a lot of reasons – I don’t want to say too much more about it. He’ll be dealt with.”
Billy Sharp attack – latest
Furious United manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “We’re seeing things thrown on the pitch and things that are thrown on putting players’ health and safety in danger and nothing’s ever done about it.
“There will be something done about that. We’ve seen what’s happened, we know what’s happened.
There’s a prison sentence there without a doubt.”
Billy Sharp attacked
Sheffield United star Billy Sharp has been viciously attacked by a Nottingham Forest pitch invader during celebrations at the City Ground.
The evening was soured by a disgraceful attack on striker Sharp, who was standing watching the celebrations.
Sky Sports video captured a man run full speed at Sharp before smashing him to the floor.
It is not yet clear if Sharp suffered any injuries.
United boss Paul Heckingbottom said: “There’s a prison sentence there for sure.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
