Sheffield Utd's McBurnie and Brewster charged by police after play-off incident

Sheffield United say they are "disappointed" after learning Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have been charged by police following the fall-out after their Championship play-off semi-final with Nottingham Forest.

The club released a statement saying Brewster, 22, and McBurnie, 26, both"strenuously deny the charges" having attended voluntary interviews with Nottinghamshire Police.

Fellow United striker Billy Sharp was among the people caught up in the chaos which followed at the final whistle as home fans entered the City Ground field of play following their penalty shoot-out victory which sent them to Wembley.

Sharp suffered cuts to his lip which required stitches following the attack by Forest season ticket holder Robert Biggs. The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was jailed for 24 weeks last month.

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom wrote to a number of governing bodies within the game to condemn the increase in pitch invasions.

Now, announcing the news of McBurnie and Brewster's charge, an official statement released by United said: "Sheffield United Football Club is disappointed to learn that Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have been charged following the incidents that took place at the EFL Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest last month. Both players voluntarily engaged in interviews with Nottinghamshire Police in the aftermath of the fixture which saw their team-mate, Billy Sharp, the victim of assault in the chaos which followed the final whistle.

"Brewster and McBurnie strenuously deny the charges brought against them and football manager Paul Heckingbottom, who wrote letters to the League Managers' Association, the Professional Footballers' Association, the EFL and FA following a number of pitch invasions last month, including one involving Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, is continuing discussions with key stakeholders in a bid to better protect players and staff in their place of work."

Following the incidents after the game on May 17, United captain Sharp took to Twitter saying: "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. Incredibly proud to be captain of this group of Sheffield United players. They gave their all and can hold their heads up high. We will be back and go again. Thanks for all your messages and support after the incident."

Sharp, aged 36, scored 11 goals in 30 starts on loan at the City Ground in 2012-13. He rejoined hometown club United for a third spell in 2015. Incidentally, Forest would go on and beat Huddersfield Town 1-0 at Wembley in the final, securing a Premier League return for the first time in 23 years.

Mirror Football has contacted Notts Police for a comment.