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.
Furious Blades boss United boss Paul Heckingbottom said: “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.”
- Result: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Sheff Utd (3-3 on agg; Forest won 3-2 on pens)
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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.”
Master tactician
Steve Cooper took over from Nottingham Forest when they were bottom of the league.
He’s just got them to the final of the play-offs.
The King of City Ground.
.Credit: PA Cook: “I hated every minute”
A surprisingly calm Cook does the honours, gifting Samba the man of the match award. One of the easier decisions today.
But Cook was quick to say how difficult he found the game:
Horrendous. I hated every minute of the second half and extra time… The dressing room is an emotional place.
Steve Cook, Nottingham Forest defender
Both players were quick to acknowledge the task ahead; Huddersfield Town at Wembley.
Pitch party
Nobody is leaving the field at the City Ground, soaking up every second, every emotion.
There are hugs, tears, and a lot of skin on show. After such a tense and enthralling 140 minutes or so, you can understand the need to remove a layer or two.
.Credit: Getty Forest’s hero
The Red wall!
Samba more than rose to the occasion this evening, saving 3 of 5 penalties. A penalty saving masterclass.
He stepped up when they needed him most.
.Credit: PA Heartbreak for The Blades
Sheffield United gave it everything today. Most people would have written them off after Johnson’s goal, but they stuck at it, finding a way to get back in it. They fell short in the most brutal fashion, but they should be very proud.
The scenes!
The players are being escorted off the field through a sea of Forest supporters. There are flares and an awful lot of singing. It’s oddly beautiful.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST WIN – Nottingham Forest 3-2 Sheffield United
Gibbs-White stutters, and Samba reads him, diving down low to his right.
The fans are on the pitch celebrating! What a game!!
Wembley waits Nottingham Forest.
.Credit: PA Nottingham Forest 3-2 Sheffield United
Lolley skies his penalty way over the bar!
What a twist in this extraordinary story.
Nottingham Forest 3-2 Sheffield United
Ndiaye scores to keep his side in it! Samba went the wrong way.
Nottingham Forest 3-1 Sheffield United
Cook is cool as a cucumber, firing the ball into the top left, before pumping up the fans.
Sheffield united have to score… Ndiaye to take.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sheffield United
Berge scores The Blades’ first penalty, cooly slotting it into the top left corner.
Nottingham Forest 2-0 Sheffield United
Foderingham gets a hand, but Cafu’s spot kick has enough power on it to beat him.
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Sheffield United
Samba saves again!
The keeper stays where he is, and Hourihane strikes it straight at his arm!
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Sheffield United
Johnson scores!
Johnson is composed and fires inside the right hand post.
1-0 Forest
.Credit: PA Penalty saved!
Samba goes the right way, and gets a strong hand to brilliantly deny Samba.
Advantage Forest!
Nottingham Forest 1-2 Sheffield United
One final word on the tie, before chaos ensues, it’s been brilliant. Both sets of players have put on a show to remember.
Here we go then. It’s Norwood up first, who has put the ball on the spot before Samba is done chatting to Michael Oliver.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
