Nottingham Forest face the possibility of playing behind closed doors after attack

Nottingham Forest face the possibility of playing their first Premier League game this century behind closed doors after a fan attacked Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp on the pitch at the City Ground.

The FA have launched an investigation after Forest’s victory on penalties on Tuesday, which set up a meeting with Huddersfield Town in the Championship play-off final on May 29, was overshadowed by what happened in the moments after the game ended. 

A man was arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Forest confirmed the attacker would be banned for life and apologised to Sheffield United but are bracing themselves for a significant punishment. 

After Jack Grealish, then at Aston Villa, was punched by a fan who entered the pitch during a game at Birmingham in March 2019, the FA warned clubs of increased penalties for such incidents.

Martin Glenn, chief executive of the FA at the time, wrote: ‘The Football Association has the powers to take disciplinary action for spectators or unauthorised persons encroaching on to the pitch areas.

‘In addition, we will be looking into what further action may be necessary going forward to ensure compliance with obligations and protection for all is maintained.’

The Sheffield United striker (bottom left) was attacked by a pitch invader after play-off defeat

Sharp posted his views on Instagram this morning after the incident late last night

Under FA Rule E20b, clubs can face anything from a warning through to stadium closure and potential points deduction if found guilty of failing to take adequate action.

Birmingham were fined £42,500 for the Grealish incident and warned about their future conduct.

As at Huddersfield the previous evening, Forest fans entered the pitch when Brice Samba saved the decisive spot-kick from Morgan Gibbs-White to send Forest to Wembley, while flares were thrown on to the playing area by both Forest and United supporters.

Promotion would put Forest in the top flight for the first time since 1999.

An FA spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of the very serious incident that took place after the match between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United.

As fans spilled on to the pitch to celebrate their victory on penalties, one ran towards Sharp

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom was left furious by the incident involving Sharp

‘We will be investigating the incident as a matter of urgency and will be working alongside the clubs and the relevant authorities to ensure the appropriate steps are taken.’

The Professional Footballers’ Association added in a statement: ‘We are shocked and appalled by the senseless assault by a fan on Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp. 

‘The football pitch is a place of work for our members. This is one of a growing number of incidents this season.

‘Matchday security and fan disorder needs to be reviewed ahead of next season and we will be raising player safety with the clubs, leagues and the UK Football Policing Unit.

‘There is no place in football for this behaviour. We recognise that stewards and the police have a very difficult job, a suspect has been arrested and Nottingham Forest have confirmed the offender will be banned for life.’