A post-match fracas broke out between a Sheffield United star and Burnley‘s celebrating stars after the Clarets secured their promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Turf Moor. Josh Brownhill scored a brace to ensure the Blades would be required to navigate the play-offs, and the stakes appeared to lead to tempers flaring after full-time.
Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury was initially marched off the pitch by police and security after a pitch invasion saw fans goad him on the field following the full-time whistle. The player, on loan from Leicester, then became involved in a confrontation towards the tunnel.
The 27-year-old was furious and had to be restrained from his Burnley opponents before being forced into the depths of the stadium as the Clarets continued their celebrations. It is unclear what provoked the scuffle.
The result saw the automatic promotion of Burnley and Leeds confirmed. Both teams sit on 94 points with two games remaining to fight for the league title.
Scott Parker was lofted in the air by his team as they celebrated a return to the top-flight after last season’s relegation. Parker replaced Vincent Kompany in the summer and achieved his third promotion from Championship, having spent three seasons in the division.
The former Fulham and Bournemouth boss is still focused on adding the Championship title to the club’s achievements this season.
“.It means everything,” said Parker following the game. “We set on a mission to get promoted and there were a lot of ups and down. It has been nothing short of incredible. So proud of the young group, who have committed and given everything.
“This one feels more special. I’ve had some bumps in the road as a manager. I decided to take a year out and come in to this knowing there was a big challenge ahead. I’m relieved and happy.”
“We’re going to go for it,” he added. “We’ll enjoy today, but we want to go for the title. That’s exactly our aim.”
Monday evening was not the first time Sheffield United have been involved in post-match conflict this season. Earlier in April, manager Chris Wilder was involved in an altercation with Plymouth Argyle players following a defeat.
The Blades boss had some choice words for the Plymouth substitutes before heading down the tunnel, and Sky Sports’ cameras showed a physical confrontation between the two sets of players.
Asked about what happened, Wilder tried to play it down. “Nothing really. Absolutely nothing really,” Wilder told Sky Sports. “They’re celebrating a big win coming off [the pitch] and unfortunately our supporters are in the stand right next to the tunnel so, yeah. Get everybody in.”
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