Paul Heckingbottom responds after Sheffield United pair Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie charged

Paul Heckingbottom says he is 'really disappointed' with the news that Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have been charged following his side's play-off match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last month.

The pair voluntarily engaged in interviews with Nottinghamshire Police in the aftermath of the semi-final defeat, which saw a pitch invasion from home supporters at full-time. Club captain Billy Sharp was also the victim of assault.

Sheffield United today confirmed the pair have been charged and in a statement said 'Brewster and McBurnie strenuously deny the charges brought against them'.

Speaking to local media at the club's training complex today after returning for pre-season, Heckingbottom said: "As a club and personally, really disappointed. Obviously, we knew the questioning was ongoing.

"We all saw the situation. I have written to the EFL and LMA about protecting their members. This is not me speaking about Nottingham Forest or Nottinghamshire Police, this is me talking about football in general, there were incidents all over the place and we can't let that happen again.

"I have written about that protection to your members. Also to the EFL and the FA as governing bodies. I think that's important.

"If anyone sees any incidents like that again next season someone should be losing their job, definitely. It's foolish and unsafe.

"I am looking at the man hours, the expense all this ongoing, why not put police round the pitch? It's cheaper, we would not have had anyone attacked, would not have someone in prison and would not have two professional athletes having to go through it again."

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