Sheffield United duo charged by police over playoff disorder

Sheffield United duo Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie were charged with assault by Nottinghamshire Police on Thursday following the disorder that marred their Championship playoff semi-final at Nottingham Forest last month.

Trouble flared after home supporters invaded the pitch to celebrate their team's win on penalties.

United captain Billy Sharp was head-butted during the chaos, with the fan responsible later jailed for 24 weeks and handed a 10-year football banning order.

"Rhian Brewster, aged 22, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, and Oli McBurnie, aged 26, of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, are to be charged with common assault in relation to disorder at the conclusion of a game at the City Ground on 17 May 2022," the police said in a statement.

The pair will appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Jul 28.

The club said both Brewster and McBurnie deny the charges.

"Sheffield United Football Club is disappointed to learn that Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have been charged... Brewster and McBurnie strenuously deny the charges brought against them," they said in a statement.

Forest went on to win promotion to the Premier League after beating Huddersfield Town 1-0 in the Championship playoff final.