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Sheffield United players ‘goaded’ Nottingham Forest fans before Billy Sharp attack – but that doesn’t excuse assault, says Simon Jordan
Simon Jordan has revealed that a journalist told him Billy Sharp and other Sheffield United players were 'goading' the Nottingham Forest fans before he was headbutted on Tuesday night.
Jordan went on to say that this was 'no excuse' for the vile attack that the striker was subject to from a supporter, who has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
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Forest beat the Blades on penalties to secure their place in the Championship play-off final, which sparked a pitch invasion from thousands of home fans.
Most celebrated with their own players after the victory, but one ran towards the technical area and attacked Sheffield United captain Sharp with his head.
Sharp tweeted about the incident on Wednesday morning, describing the supporter as a 'scumbag'.
Jordan spoke about what may have led to the attack, questioning why the players on the bench didn't rise above the abuse from the fans during the game.
“I’ve got a leading journalist, who’s a Nottingham Forest fan, who sat behind the dugout sending me text messages,” revealed the White and Jordan host on talkSPORT.
“This was when Nottingham Forest were winning 1-0, the game was in their control so they weren't reacting badly to the game being out of control.
“He said that if the Sheffield United bench did not stop goading, gesturing, and antagonizing fans behind the dugout, there's going to be trouble here.
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“And then the two particular people he named were [Oliver] McBurnie, who's got form for this before, and Billy Sharp.
“That does not mean that Billy Sharp is entitled to be headbutted on a pitch, but perhaps players should not be involving themselves in situations with fans in high octane environments that could lead to flashpoints at some point.”
He added: “There can be no excuse, irrespective of whether players are baiting fans.
“There's no excuse for Billy Sharp being attacked on the pitch. Let's have clarity on that.
“Whether I believe that professional footballers should rise above it is a different discussion, and we happen to disagree on it.”
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