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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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.”
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
