Police have arrested a man on suspicion of assault after Sheffield United star Billy Sharp was the target of a shocking attack by a Nottingham Forest supporter.
Forrest retained its place in the final of the Championship playoffs on penalties on Tuesday night, but the celebrations were overshadowed by infamous scenes after the City Ground match.
Sharp was attacked while Nottingham Forest fans celebrated reaching the playoff finals
The Sheffield United striker remained shaken and bleeding after the incident
Saving Bryce Samba to deny Morgan Gibbs-White won the semi-final draw and caused a rapid invasion of the field by thousands of Forest fans.
Most celebrated with their own players, but one headed to the Sheffield United technical zone and pounced on the Blade Sharpe striker with his head.
Sharpe, the deputy, was knocked to the ground, and Sheffield United boss Paul Hackingbotham said: “This is an attack. We saw how one of our players was attacked.
“He is shaken, bleeding, angry. It will be decided. “
Forrest quickly condemned the incident, saying the offender would be “banned for life” by the club and apologized to Sharp.
Police later confirmed that a 31-year-old man had been detained.
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Inspector Paul Hennessy 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 investigation into the circumstances of the incident continues. We have spoken to the player concerned and we are working with both clubs to support us in our investigation. “
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.
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Sharpe was bloodied by the incident
The vile attack on Sharp shocks talkSPORT hosts Jamie O’Hara and Jason Candy, who want the perpetrator to throw the book at him.
O’Hara said at The Sports Bar: “It’s a disgusting incident. We talked about it before we even saw the incident, and that’s what we’re talking about. This is dangerous, shocking and must stop.
“Field invasions must stop, because something like this will happen and it will happen.”
Candy added: “First of all, I hope Billy Sharp is fine, shocking, shocking pictures. The man runs to him with a step, he is a big boy and Billy Sharp does not see him coming.
“It’s an attack. At worst it’s a body charge, it’s kind of like a blow to the head.
“It’s a disgrace to see, I’m shocked to see it. This is a sentence of imprisonment, that’s how I see it. This is an attack.
“He has a lot of problems, this man.”
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Police and stewards were powerless as fans stormed the field
Candy later added: “He doesn’t see him coming, he’s calm, he turns his head and this thug – he’s also a big fat man – puts his big bald head right in Billy Sharp’s face.
Fortunately, it looks like Sharp will fully recover from the incident, but O’Hara hopes authorities will take the necessary steps to ensure that an incident like this does not happen again.
O’Hara said: “This is what irritates me in English culture, something is not done until it’s too late. We are responding to an incident that is happening, but it must be stopped immediately.
“This is the worst attack I’ve seen on a football field. That’s shocking. “
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