Arrest after Billy Sharp hurt at end of play-off match

Crowds poured on to the pitch at the end of the penalty shootout

A man has been arrested after a player was injured when crowds invaded the pitch at the end of Nottingham Forest's play-off match with Sheffield United.

Forest had just beaten the Blades on penalties in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg when people surged on to the field.

Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was knocked to the ground and was later reported to be "shook up and bleeding".

Police said a 31-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of assault.

They added the suspect remained in custody and would be questioned by officers.

Ch Insp Paul Hennessy said: "Our inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

"We have spoken to the player concerned and we are working with both clubs who are supporting us with our investigation."

Billy Sharp, pictured before the match, tweeted a statement condemning the attack

In a statement, Nottingham Forest said they were "appalled", adding the culprit faced a life ban from the club.

Sharp tweeted on Wednesday morning that "one mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football".

However, he added it would not "ruin my respect for the Forest fans".

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) denounced the attack as a "senseless assault" and called for an urgent review into fan disorder.

It said: "The football pitch is a place of work for our members, this is one of a growing number of incidents this season.

"Matchday security and fan disorder needs to be reviewed ahead of next season, and we will be raising player safety with the clubs, leagues and the UK Football Policing Unit."

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest fans have been donating to an online crowdfunding appeal set up as a gesture of goodwill to the striker.

Organisers of the appeal - which has so far raised more than £2,000 - say the money will be donated to a charity of Sharp's choosing.