The fan who headbutted Billy Sharp on Tuesday evening after Nottingham Forest’s victory against Sheffield United (3-3 after two games, 3-2 in the penalty shootout) has been banned for life by the club. The Sheffield United attacker, who did not participate in the decisive play-off game due to an injury, was headbutted by a fan after the game during the so-called pitch invasion from the home team fans.
Nottingham is shocked by his fan’s behaviour. “Nottingham Forest Football Club is dismayed to learn that our former player, Billy Sharp, was attacked as he left the field after tonight’s game at The City Ground,” the club said on its official website. “The club will work with authorities to track down the individual so that he receives appropriate punishment for his actions, including a life ban from Nottingham Forest. The club would also like to apologize to Billy personally and to Sheffield United Football Club.”
Absolutely disgraceful footage of a Forest fan headbutting Billy Sharp during the pitch invasion tonight. sickening. pic.twitter.com/vGAdAGeiHh
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 17, 2022
Sharp, who played for Forest in the 2012-13 season, was also upset by the event. However, the 36-year-old Englishman responded with class on his Instagram. “I would like to congratulate Nottingham on the win and wish them the best of luck for the final. One bastard won’t take away my respect for the Forest supporters, especially as an ex-Forest player. Thanks for all the messages and support.”
Nottingham are just one step away from a return to the Premier League, from which they were relegated in 1999, with the win over Sheffield United. In the final of the play-offs at Wembley Stadium, Huddersfield Town awaits, which settled with Luton Town in the other semi-final (2-1 over two games). ‘The 200 million game’, as the final of the play-offs is also called because of the enormous amount that the winner will receive in TV money and the like, will take place on Sunday 29 May. The winner of the game gets the last available Premier League ticket.
— billy sharp (@billysharp10) May 18, 2022