Billy Sharp has branded the Nottingham Forest fan who left him requiring stitches a "scumbag".

The injured Sheffield United skipper was assaulted after his side were beaten on penalties last night as Forest booked their place in the Championship play-off final. 

Sharp, a former loanee at the City Ground, had been on the sidelines during the shootout and was trying to help his team-mates off the pitch as jubilant fans invaded the field. 

The striker, 36, took to Twitter this morning to give his view on the sour incident that saw him knocked to the ground by a headbutt. 

Sharp said: "One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football. 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."

Police have confirmed an arrest was made after the incident and Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom did not hold back when venting his fury. 

He said: "It's assault. We've seen one of our players attacked. He's shook up, bleeding, angry. 

"Bill was minding his own business off the pitch, trying to get our players away. 

"He was blindsided, it was cowardly. He was knocked to the ground [and required] stitches, he was shook up."

Forest have apologised to Sharp and insisted the fan responsible faces a lifetime ban from the club. 

Former defender Michael Dawson, who played for the Midlands out for three years, was appalled by what he saw while working the match as a Sky Sports pundit.  

Dawson, 38, said: "We've spoken about Forest having a special night but Sharp was standing there doing nothing wrong. One stupid fan [who] runs on and does that has spoilt everything. I hope Sharp is OK. 

"Too many people run on the pitch. It happens every year at the end of a season when one team has disappointment and one team has joy — I worry for the opposition when fans run on. 

"It only takes one situation for someone to be really hurt."

Forest will face Huddersfield at Wembley on May 29 with promotion to the Premier League on the line.