Billy Sharp Attack
(Picture: Sky )A 30-year-old man has been jailed for 24 weeks for assaulting Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp on the pitch.
Nottinghamshire Police on Thursday confirmed Robert Biggs, of Derbyshire, had been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and going on to the playing area at a football match. Biggs later on Thursday pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court before the second charge was dropped.
Sharp was knocked to the ground near the touchline at the City Ground at the end of the Championship play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
An extensive police investigation was quickly launched following the incident which left the player requiring medical treatment.
Prosecutor Marianne Connally said the incident was caught by cameras covering the Championship semi-final for live television.
She told the court: "A large number of fans entered the field of play. Mr Sharp hadn't directly participated in the game. He appears to be standing with his hands in his pockets.
"Mr Biggs can be seen to run along the pitch. He then headbutts Mr Sharp. The Crown's case is that this is a deliberate and senseless act of violence."
Biggs appeared in court in custody and did not oppose an application for a football banning order during the hearing.
Forest won the match 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
Sharp had not been playing due to injury but was stood on the touchline as supporters invaded the field after the shoot-out.
