FA and police investigating apparent 'stamp' by Sheffield United's Ollie McBurnie on Nottingham Forest fan

The Football Association is looking into a video appearing to show Ollie McBurnie stamping on a supporter during the ugly end to the Championship play-off semi-final between Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest.

The footage, which emerged on social media on Wednesday, purports to show Scotland striker McBurnie, 25, lashing out during the chaotic pitch invasion that also saw his captain, Billy Sharp, headbutted by a “scumbag” fan.

Both players had sat out the match through injury, with McBurnie wearing a surgical boot that was clearly visible in the clip.

The FA and United were both aware of the video, with the latter declining to comment on it.

McBurnie could not be immediately reached for comment via a representative, but last night appeared to deny stamping on the supporter when replying to another user's comment that sugggested he was in fact stepping over the person.

Nottinghamshire Police on Wednesday night also confirmed it was investigating the footage involving McBurnie.

Inspector Andy Wright, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "We have been made aware of a video circulating on social media showing a possible altercation where a Forest fan can be seen on the ground following the play-off semi-final.

"We have now started an investigation into this incident.

"The person in question has not yet reported the incident but would urge them to come forward along with any other persons who many have witnessed the incident or have video footage so we can establish the full circumstances.

"We would particularly appeal to the owner of the original footage to make contact."

Meanwhile, a JustGiving page was set up on Wednesday by a group of Nottingham Forest fans to raise money for a charity of United captain Sharp’s choice, “to show our condemnation as Forest fans for the attack on him”. As of Wednesday evening, the total has exceeded £7,000.

Sharp, who required stitches after the attack by an apparent Forest supporter following the latter’s dramatic win on penalties, responded to the incident on Wednesday.

“One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football," he wrote on Twitter. “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.”

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting Sharp, with footage showing the Sheffield United player charged at while standing in the dugout in the immediate moments after the full-time whistle.

Sharp’s manager Paul Heckingbottom demanded punishment for the striker’s assailant while an FA spokesperson said: “We will be investigating the incident as a matter of urgency and will be working alongside the clubs and the relevant authorities to ensure the appropriate steps are taken.”