A man has been arrested after Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was attacked by a fan after the club’s match with Nottingham Forest.
In a statement, Nottinghamshire police said: “A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident. He remains in custody and will be questioned by officials.
“Our investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing. We have spoken to the player concerned and are working with the two clubs that are supporting us in our investigation.”
Footage shows that the 36-year-old Sharpe was attacked by a supporter during the invasion of the field, after Forrest won 3-2 on penalties after the two games ended 3-3 overall.
Sharpe was knocked to the ground and needed stitches after the attack, said Sheffield United boss Paul Hackingbottom.
Image: Billy Sharp seems to have been knocked to the ground by the man in the yellow shirt
“It’s an attack,” Hackingbotham said.
“We have seen one of our players attacked. He is shaken, bleeding, angry.
“Bill was watching his own affairs off the field, trying to get our players out. He was blinded, he was cowardly. He was knocked to the ground (and he had to) stitches, he was shaken.”
Nottingham Forest have issued a statement apologizing to Sharpe, who played for Forest on loan in the 2012-13 season, and warns that the fan will be removed from the club for life.
It reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club is horrified to learn that our former player, Billy Sharp, has been attacked while leaving the pitch after tonight’s City Ground.
“The club will work with the authorities to find the person to be held accountable for his actions, which will include a life ban from Nottingham Forest.
“The club would also like to personally apologize to Billy and Sheffield United.
Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson, who was an expert on Sky Sports at City Ground, described the incident as an “absolute disgrace”.
He told Sky Sports: “Too many people are running on the pitch, we were talking about Forrest, who has a special night, but Billy Sharp was standing there doing nothing wrong. And a stupid fan running and doing it ruined everything. I hope Sharpe is okay.
“It happens every year at the end of the season, when one team is disappointed and one team is happy. I’m worried about the opposition when the fans are running. It only takes one situation for someone to be really hurt.”
The incident overshadowed the victory of Forrest, where the victory of the “reds” secured the final battle in the playoffs against Huddersfield on Sunday, May 29 at Wembley Stadium, and the chance to return to the championship for the first time since 1999.
Add Comment