A 30-year-old Nottingham Forest supporter has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £500 compensation after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm on Sheffield United footballer Billy Sharp.
Robert Biggs, of Ilkeston, turned himself into police in the early hours of Wednesday morning after video footage was widely shared online of him headbutting striker Sharp, who required four stitches.
The electrical engineer, who the court was told earns £55,000 a year, was also given a 10-year football banning order.
"His head has collided with the right side of the player's cheek," his solicitor Miss Rachel Gowans said during a hearing that lasted a little more than half an hour, adding that it was not "targeted on the player."
After Biggs was charged, assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I am pleased we have now charged a suspect in connection with this assault. This is a result of hard work done throughout the night and today involving numerous police departments.
“Cases such as this will hopefully serve as a deterrent to anyone thinking of getting involved in violent disorder at football matches. Incidents are treated extremely seriously by the force and football clubs and people involved will be held to account.”
In a statement posted on his Twitter feed on Wednesday morning, Sharp said: "One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football. Congratulations to Nottingham Forest on their victory and good luck in the final. 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."
