Investigations are underway after the Football League condemned the “unsavoury” scenes that followed Huddersfield and Nottingham Forest’s Championship play-off semi-final victories.
Fans from both clubs invaded the pitch to celebrate their upcoming trips to Wembley but =staff of both Luton and Sheffield United complained of abuse being directed towards them.
Nathan Jones was furious after receiving “disgraceful” insults at full-time of his side’s defeat to Huddersfield on Monday night before Blades striker Billy Sharp was assaulted while standing on the touchline at the City Ground 24 hours later.
On Wednesday, an EFL statement read: “Unfortunately, at recent end-of season and play-off semi-final fixtures we have witnessed a number of unsavoury and unacceptable incidents take place with supporters entering the field of play.
“These are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities and the EFL condemns in the strongest possible terms the reckless actions of individuals who have brought the game into disrepute with this unacceptable behaviour. The league is working closely with the police and clubs, offering its full support to the ongoing investigations.
“Supporters are reminded that it is against the law to enter the pitch at any time and could result in a club ban and criminal record.”
League authorities also warned against the increased prevalence of flares seen during the matches.
Police confirmed a man was arrested on suspicion of assault in the hours after Forest’s penalty shootout victory over Sheffield United. TV cameras showed Sharp standing alone before being attacked by a supporter, leaving the player requiring stitches.
“We’ve seen one of our players attacked,” said Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom. “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.”
Sharp said the highly entertaining play-off tie had been “ruined by one mindless idiot”.
He tweeted: “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. Thanks for all the messages and support after the incident.”
Luton manager Jones also railed against a lack of protection for himself and his players after the Hatters’ late defeat to Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“Stewards? I don't know why they turned up,” said Jones. “The fans were an absolute disgrace. But we won't complain, football fans are like that. Some are idiots.
“They didn't paint Huddersfield Town as a good club in terms of how they were. They have won the game, go celebrate with your players. Go and celebrate something wonderful.
“Instead they were more concerned with obscene gestures. I have seen a mother with a little kid... If that was my wife, I'd be disgusted.”
