Billy Sharp left needing stitches after being 'headbutted' by Nottingham Forest supporter

Nottingham Forest are one game away from the Premier League after inching past Sheffield United in a tense penalty shootout last night, though celebrations were marred by a brutal attack on Billy Sharp

Sheffield United's Billy Sharp was left needing stitches after being viciously headbutted by a Nottingham Forest fan last night at the City Ground.

Steve Cooper's side progressed to the Championship play-off final via a dramatic penalty shootout following a 3-3 aggregate draw against the Blades, but post-match celebrations were soured by the horrendous unprovoked attack on Sharp - who was standing on the touchline as hundreds of home supporters invaded the pitch after the game.

Sky Sports cameras captured the moment Sharp was smashed to the ground by a mindless yob who ran full pelt into the 36-year-old with an apparent headbutt, as team-mates around him looked on in shock, unsure of how react.

After the match, a club spokesperson confirmed that Sharp needed stitches following the attack while Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom said: "It's assault. We've seen one of our players attacked. "[Sharp is] shook up, bleeding. It'll be dealt with.

"There will be something done about that. We’ve seen what’s happened, we know what’s happened. There’s a prison sentence there without a doubt. How can you come to a place of work minding your own business and be assaulted in that fashion?"

Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that a 31-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody, while Forest released a statement saying they were "appalled" by the situation.

Paul Hennessy of Nottinghamshire Police said: "A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with this incident. He remains in custody and will be questioned by officers.

“Our enquiries 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.”

Despite the ugliness involving Sharp, last night was undeniably one of Nottingham Forest's finest evenings this side of the Millennium. The club have been rooted to the Championship for the past 13 seasons, and haven't made the play-offs in over a decade.

They lost 2-1 on the night, but goalkeeper Brice Samba was the hero after saving three penalties in the shootout to leave Forest on the verge of top-flight football for the first time since 1999. A trip to Wembley to face Huddersfield Town on May 29 awaits.