Aston Villa old boy recalls Birmingham City scare following 'dangerous' Billy Sharp incident

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has called for an end to pitch invasions after Sheffield United's Billy Sharp was allegedly assaulted at the City Ground and likened the incident to a close shave he experienced against Birmingham City.

The Blades striker missed out on the play-off semi-final defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night due to injury, but was on the sidelines to support his teammates. During Forest's wild celebrations, which saw thousands of supporters rush onto the field, the alleged assault occurred while Sharp was stood in front of the dugouts.

Sharp responded to the incident on Wednesday morning, tweeting: "One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football." A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault.

The scene reminded Agbonlahor of a Second City Derby he played in in which he was fearful of invading fans at the final whistle. It was the League Cup meeting in 2010 that Blues won 2-1 at St. Andrew's and, seeing that home supporters were about to encroach the pitch, the ex-England international sprinted from one side to the other to get to safety.

"I remember we played Birmingham City in the Carling Cup and they beat us at their place and I could see the fans getting ready to run onto the pitch," he told talkSPORT. "I'm on the opposite side to the tunnel.

"So I'm thinking, me, who has scored so many goals against them, if I get caught on this pitch they'll probably pick me up and throw me around the pitch for a couple of hours before the police could save me.

"I'm thinking, 'I have to get to this tunnel'. Literally the whistle went and I don't think I've ever sprinted as fast. Down the tunnel just before the fans have managed to get to