Man emerges from the Hillsborough stands as visitors celebrate goal in Yorkshire derby and shoves Sheffield Wednesday’s Kirkland to the ground
Former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has been violently attacked by an opposition fan who ran on the pitch during a game.
The Sheffield Wednesday player required medical treatment after being slapped and knocked to the ground by the Leeds United supporter during the tense Yorkshire derby match.
The incident occurred shortly after Kirkland conceded an equaliser at Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium.
The thug confronted Chris, shoving him in the face with both hands so that his neck whipped back and he was knocked to the ground just after Leeds’ Michael Tonge scored a equalising goal 25 yards from goal 77 minutes into the game, bringing them up to 1-1.
The man was one of a number of Leeds fans who ran onto the pitch in celebration moments later.
After the assault, the fan ran back into the crowd, grinning and being patted on the back by fellow fans.
Former Liverpool and Wigan keeper Chris, 31, was able to continue after some medical treatment but viewers on the televised Championship game were shocked by the scenes.
Kirkland, who joined the Owls from Wigan in May on a two-year contract, won one England cap in 2006 when he came on as a substitute in a 4-0 friendly win against Greece at Old Trafford.
Trouble had been brewing throughout the night, with a section of the away support throwing bottles on the field as they clashed with stewards and police, while the home fans stoked things up by singing songs that referenced the two Leeds fans who were killed in Turkey in April 2000.
The Leeds fans in the crowd of 28,582 also courted controversy by singing songs that referenced criminal charges against Wednesday manager Dave Jones which were eventually dropped, as well as seeming to salute Jimmy Savile, the former broadcaster who is now the subject of a criminal investigation for child abuse.
Furious Sheffield Wednesday boss Dave Jones branded the Leeds fans “vile animals” adding: Chris Kirkland is feeling sore, if he had stayed down I wonder what would have happened?”
He called for Leeds fans to be banned from away grounds, saying: “They should be punished. It’s just upsetting that they are allowed to do it.”
Jones was also angry that the Leeds players applauded their travelling supporters at the final whistle in the game.
He said “Then (for the Leeds players) to go and wave at them… not in my book. You don’t wave at them after that.”
Leeds United manager Neil Warnock called for Kirkland’s assailant to be given a prison sentence as he described the events at Hillsborough as “an absolute disgrace”.
The former Sheffield United boss told Sky Sports 1: “I felt embarrassed to be a manager when I saw that.
“I thought it was an absolute disgrace. I think they should get the guy and prosecute him and put him in prison.
“He (Kirkland) went down like a ton of bricks but that doesn’t make a difference. Nobody should be on the pitch doing that.
“I hope we can make an absolute issue of it. He spoiled everything for everyone. I’ve not enjoyed that when I see a moron like that.
“I am not proud of being Leeds manager when I see that. I don’t mind the rivalry between us – there was a great atmosphere.
“To see things like that on the field of play there is no place for it – I am absolutely embarrassed.”
Warnock added: “They had enough security.
“If they have got a person like him with a five-year-old mentality they can’t stop that.
“Sheffield Wednesday can’t do anything about. It just gives them more opportunity to have a go.
“Dave (Jones, Wednesday manager) was saying we shouldn’t thank the crowd but our crowd were fantastic but we’ve got one moron and I can’t tolerate that.
“I’ve not seen anything like that since my mate Paul Evans got something thrown at him at Burton Albion in an FA Cup game many, many years ago.
“All of them apart from one moron were excellent tonight.”
A spokesman for Leeds United said: “Leeds would like to apologise and condemn the actions of the fan who came onto the pitch and attacked Chris Kirkland.
“The club will fully cooperate with both the police and the football authorities in identifying the individual concerned.
“After the week that football has endured, there is no place for this type of behaviour and the majority of Leeds United fans will be ashamed of his actions.”
Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin of South Yorkshire Police said: “During tonight’s match, Sheffield Wednesday versus Leeds United at Hillsborough, incidents occurred where it is believed seats and bottles were thrown inside the ground.
“We are also aware of an incident whereby the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper has been assaulted by an individual who ran onto the pitch.
“Fans are still leaving the ground and surrounding areas and our priority is to ensure the safe departure of fans.
“Such incidents are not acceptable and won’t be tolerated. We will be working with both clubs to identify and quickly bring to justice the persons responsible.
“Thankfully, such incidents are a rarity and we see a minority spoil it for the majority of genuine supporters.
“We are keen to hear from anyone that can help identify any person responsible for any of these incidents tonight.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.