Billy Sharp: Sheffield United captain left 'bleeding and angry' after pitch invasion at Nottingham Forest calls attacker a 'scumbag'

A footballer who was attacked by a fan during a pitch invasion has called him a "scumbag" who "ruined an unbelievable night of football".

Billy Sharp, captain of Sheffield United, was left needing stitches after the "cowardly" attack on Tuesday night when Nottingham Forest beat his team on penalties at home.

A man was arrested after the incident and inquiries were ongoing, police said.

"A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with this incident. He remains in custody and will be questioned by officers," Nottinghamshire Police said.

Footage shows a supporter charging at Sharp, 36, after the second of two legs left the sides at 3-3 on aggregate and Forest won 3-2 on penalties.

Sharp was knocked to the ground and needed stitches after the attack, Sheffield boss Paul Heckingbottom said.

"It's assault," he said. "We've seen one of our players attacked. He's shook up, bleeding, angry.

"Bill was minding his own business off the pitch, trying to get our players away. He was blindsided, it was cowardly. He was knocked to the ground [and required] stitches, he was shook up."

Posting on Twitter on Wednesday morning Sharp, who played for Forest on loan in the 2012-13 season, said: "One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football."

"As an ex-Forest player I will not let one scumbag ruin my respect for the Forest fans.

"Incredibly proud to be captain of this group of Sheffield United players, they gave their all and can hold their heads up high. We will be back and go again. Thanks for all your messages and support after the incident."

Nottingham Forest apologised to Sharp and said the fan would be banned from the club for life.

"Nottingham Forest Football Club are appalled to learn that our former player, Billy Sharp, was assaulted leaving the pitch after tonight's match at the City Ground," it said.

"The club will work with the authorities to locate the individual in order they are held to account for their actions, which will include a life ban from Nottingham Forest.

"The club would also like to apologise to Billy personally and to Sheffield United Football Club."

Former Forest defender Michael Dawson, who was a pundit for Sky Sports at the City Ground, described the incident as "an absolute disgrace".

He told Sky Sports: "Too many people run on the pitch, we've spoken about Forest having a special night but Billy Sharp was standing there doing nothing wrong. And one stupid fan runs on and does that has spoilt everything. I hope Sharp is OK.

"It happens every year at the end of a season when one team has disappointment and one team has joy, I worry for the opposition when fans run on. It only takes one situation for someone to be really hurt."

The incident overshadowed Forest's win, which secured them a play-off final showdown against Huddersfield on 29 May at Wembley Stadium and the chance of a top-flight return for the first time since 1999.