Billy Sharp needed stitches after attack as Nottingham Forest fans ran on pitch

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom revealed Billy Sharp required stitches after being “attacked” when Nottingham Forest fans spilled on to the pitch at the end of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final.

The Blades captain was sidelined for this second leg because of injury and was stood on the touchline after Forest secured a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory following a 3-3 aggregate draw, which precipitated a pitch invasion at the City Ground.

Footage shared on social media appears to show one supporter running at the 36-year-old former Forest striker and knocking him to the ground, with Nottinghamshire Police launching an investigation.

Forest have condemned the incident and said in a statement they will “will work with the authorities to locate the individual” and the offender will be subject to “a life ban” from the club.

“It’s assault,” a furious Heckingbottom claimed. “We’ve seen one of our players attacked. He’s shook up, bleeding, angry.

“Bill was minding his own business off the pitch, trying to get our players away. He was blindsided, it was cowardly. He was knocked to the ground (and required) stitches, he was shook up.”

Heckingbottom added on Sky Sports: “There will be something done about that. We’ve seen what happened, we know what happened.”

We have spoken to the player concerned and we are working with both clubs which are supporting us with our investigation which will continue through the night- Assistant chief constable Rob Griffin

Nottinghamshire Police assistant chief constable Rob Griffin said in a statement: “Enquiries are under way to identify the offender and we will be looking to make an arrest as soon as possible.

“We have seen the footage, as many others will have who watched