THE FA are investigating after Sheffield United’s Oli McBurnie appeared to stamp on a Nottingham Forest supporter amid the chaos following Tuesday night’s play-off clash.
The Blades’ promotion hopes were ended at the City Ground after they were beaten on penalties following a thrilling two-legged tie that ended 3-3 on aggregate.
Oli McBurnie appeared to stamp on a fan in the post-match pitch invasion last nightCredit: TwitterA clip of the Sheffield United striker has gone viral on social mediaCredit: TwitterA Forest supporter was on the floor when McBurnie appeared to stamp on themCredit: TwitterIt’s not the first time that Oli McBurnie has been involved in an incident with a fanCredit: Getty
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.
Forest’s dramatic penalty win soured as Sharp attacked by fan
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!”
But a club source said: “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.”
McBurnie later appeared to deny he had stamped on the fan.
Replying to a Twitter post that said McBurnie “looks more like he was trying to step over with him with one bad leg”, the Scotland international responded with the ‘100’ emoji to signal agreement.
Inspector Andy Wright of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have been made aware of a video circulating on social media showing a possible altercation where a Forest fan can be seen on the ground following the play-off semi-final.
“We have now started an investigation into this incident.
“The person in question has not yet reported the incident but would urge them to come forward along with any other persons who many have witnessed the incident or have video footage so we can establish the full circumstances.
“We would particularly appeal to the owner of the original footage to make contact.”
“Contact can be made by calling Nottinghamshire Police on 101 and quoting incident 754 of 18 May 2022.”
Sharp, who previously enjoyed a stint playing for Forest, tweeted this morning after his incident: “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.”
Billy Sharp was attacked by a Nottingham Forest fan after the final whistleCredit: RuckasSharp thanked supporters on social media earlier for their support after the shock attackCredit: PA
McBurnie hit the headlines last year after he clobbered a footie fan following United’s relegation.
Elliott Wright was with pals when he poked fun at the £20million striker on the street.
McBurnie then appeared to march up to the man as Wright recorded him on his phone.
The striker was held by officers from North Yorkshire Police after the insurance broker, then 21, reported the incident, and was released on bail.
The Leeds United fan had been with friends when he spotted McBurnie arguing with a girl in the street.
He told him to calm down – and then poked fun at him for his team getting relegated to the Championship.
The 24-second film then showed him allegedly kneeing and punching Elliott who was left with a swollen black eye and cuts to his face before the alleged victim later appealed to the police to drop the charges with the ace escaping action.
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Bearded McBurnie, wearing trainers and a tracksuit top and bottoms, was seen in the video allegedly striding towards Elliott, knocking the phone to the ground and stamping on it before allegedly assaulting him.
McBurnie was fined £30,000 in 2020 for drink driving.
