Man arrested after ‘cowardly’ attack during pitch invasion leaves Sheffield Utd’s Billy Sharp in need of stitches | UK News
A man has been arrested after Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was assaulted by a fan following the club’s game against Nottingham Forest.
In a statement, 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 investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing. We have spoken to the player involved and we are working with both clubs that are assisting us with the investigation. “
Footage shows Sharp, 36, being charged by a supporter in a backyard invasion after Forest won 3-2 on penalties after two-footers finished 3-3 on aggregate.
Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom said Sharp fell to the ground and needed stitches after the attack.
Billy Sharp seems to be pushed to the ground by the man in the yellow shirt
“It was the attack,” Heckingbottom said.
“We saw one of our players get attacked. He was shaking, bleeding, angry.
“Bill was preoccupied with his own business off the pitch, trying to drive our players away. He was blindfolded, what a coward. He was knocked to the ground (and needed stitches), he was shaken up.”
Nottingham Forest released a statement apologizing to Sharp, who played for Forest on loan during the 2012-13 season, and warned that the fan would be banned for life.
It said: “Nottingham Forest Football Club are horrified to learn that our former player, Billy Sharp, was assaulted leaving the pitch following tonight’s game at the City Ground.
“The club will work with authorities to locate individuals to hold them accountable for their actions, including a life ban from Nottingham Forest.
“The club would also like to personally apologize to Billy and Sheffield United Football Club.”
Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson, Sky Sports pundit at City Ground, described the incident as “an absolute disgrace”.
He told Sky Sports: “Too many people running on the field, we talked about Forest having a special night but Billy Sharp stood there doing nothing wrong. And one stupid fan ran on and did the thing. That messed everything up I hope Sharp is okay.
“It happens every year at the end of the season when one team has disappointment and one team has fun, I worry for the opposition as the fans go on. It just takes a situation where someone is really hurt. .”
The incident overshadowed Forest’s win, where the Reds’ victory secured the play-off final against Huddersfield on Sunday, May 29 at Wembley Stadium and the chance to return to the top for the first time. since 1999.
