Sheffield United ‘disappointed’ as Oli McBurnie and Rhian Brewster charged by police after pitch invasion after play-off loss to Nottingham Forest

Sheffield United stars Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have been charged by police as the fallout from their Championship semi-final with Nottingham Forest continues.

The club said they were “disappointed” after learning of the result. It is not yet known what the pair have been charged with.

The Blades say the two Brewster McBurnies “vigorously deny the charges” after attending a voluntary interview with Nottinghamshire Police.

The match which took place on May 17 saw a late game invasion by cheering Nottingham Forest fans, leading to an assault on Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp.

Sharp needed stitches after he suffered a vicious attack from Forest season ticket holder Robert Biggs.

Biggs was then jailed for 24 weeks after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

A statement from the Blades read: “Sheffield United Football Club is disappointed to learn that Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have been charged following the incidents in the EFL Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest last month. .

“Both players voluntarily engaged in interviews with Nottinghamshire Police following the game which saw team-mate Billy Sharp assaulted in the chaos following the final whistle.

“Brewster and McBurnie vigorously deny the charges against them and football manager Paul Heckingbottom, who wrote letters to the League Managers’ Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association, the EFL and the FA following of a number of pitch invasions in the past month, including one involving Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is continuing discussions with key stakeholders to better protect players and staff at their workplaces.

Sheffield United recovered from a two-goal first-leg deficit to level at 3-3 on aggregate, forcing extra time and penalties.

But Forest had goalkeeper Brice Samba to thank as he saved three penalty kicks to send Forest to Wembley where they eventually sealed their Premier League return by beating Huddersfield Town.