Paul Heckingbottom comments on pitch invaders during Manchester United win vs Sheffield United

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom says he is concerned about the future welfare of players and staff after fans were able to enter the Bramall Lane pitch during Saturday’s clash with Manchester United.

In the second half, a Blades supporter managed to avoid stewards and reach the edge of the field of play to mock Alejandro Garnacho, accusing him of diving. Then at full-time, a pitch invader ran up to Bruno Fernandes for a selfie.

Yorkshire Live reports the male then managed to run off and perform a knee slide before being caught by stewards, adding that he was not the only one to attempt a selfie. Heckingbottom relayed his concerns about the ease with which the spectators were able to get so close to the players.

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"We don't want to see that," he stated. "It concerns me because we're at work. You have heard me speak about this before. I don't want our fans to be part of that.

"We want the passion, we want the joy, the intent, the noise, we want that. It looked like the majority after from what I could see were Manchester United fans trying to take selfies with them, but it's not always going to be that, is it?

"It shouldn't be that easy. There should be no intent to go on the pitch whatsoever. We know the rules about it and the changes and there will probably be those enforced now."

On the back of numerous incidents last year, the FA, the Premier League and the EFL confirmed that pitch invaders would receive an automatic ban and be reported to police.

"It is the responsibility of everyone in the game, including governing bodies, clubs, players, coaches, and fans, to ensure that we all play our