Pitch invader, 30, pleads guilty to assault after headbutting Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp

Nottingham Forest fan Robert Biggs (pictured), 30, of Derbyshire, entered his guilty plea at Nottingham Magistrate’s Court this morning after being held in custody overnight. He has been sentenced to 24 weeks’ jail. 

An electrical engineer who headbutted Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp after storming onto the pitch has been jailed for 24 weeks – as he faces a life-long ban from his football club.   

Robert Biggs, 30, of Derbyshire, had entered his guilty plea at Nottingham Magistrate’s Court this morning after being held in custody overnight. 

The Nottingham Forest season ticket holder was one of hundreds of fans to invade the pitch following his team’s victory over Sheffield United on Tuesday night, which was won in a penalty shoot-out. 

Biggs, who has a girlfriend of four years, earns £55,000 per year with logistics firm DHL and bought a house in January this year, MailOnline can reveal. DHL has been approached for comment. 

In a video, Sharp, who was left needing stitches, can be seen falling to the floor after being headbutted by Biggs following the Championship semi-final second leg play-off at the City Ground.

Biggs was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and going on to the playing area at a football match. 

The latter charge was dropped and he did not oppose an application for a football banning order during Thursday’s hearing.

Prosecutor Marianne Connally told the court that Sharp required four stitches to his lip after being headbutted by Biggs.

Ms Connally said the incident was caught by cameras covering the play-off semi-final for live television.

She told the court: ‘A large number of fans entered the field of play.

‘Mr Sharp hadn’t directly participated in the game. He appears to be standing with his hands in his pockets.

‘Mr Biggs can be seen to run along the pitch. He then headbutts Mr Sharp.

‘The Crown’s case is that this is a deliberate and senseless act of violence.’

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said earlier today: ‘I am pleased we have now charged a suspect in connection with this assault. 

‘This is a result of hard work done throughout the night and today involving numerous police departments.

Biggs (pictured), who has a girlfriend of four years, earns £55,000 per year with logistics firm DHL and bought a house in January this year, MailOnline can reveal. DHL has been approached for comment.

A prison van arriving at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court this morning, where Robert Biggs pleaded guilty to assault 

In a video, Billy Sharp (pictured), who was left needing stitches, can be seen falling to the floor after being headbutted by a raging spectator following the Championship semi-final second leg play-off at the City Ground.

‘We continue to work closely with both football clubs who are supporting our investigation following this incident.

‘Cases such as this will hopefully serve as a deterrent to anyone thinking of getting involved in violent disorder at football matches. 

‘Incidents are treated extremely seriously by the force and football clubs and people involved will be held to account.’

The FA said it had launched an investigation after Forest’s victory, which set up a meeting with Huddersfield in the final on May 29.

Forest confirmed the headbutter would be banned for life and apologised to Sheffield United, but are bracing themselves for a significant punishment.

Sharp, who used to play for Forest, said in the morning after the incident: ‘One mindless idiot ruined what was an unbelievable night of football.

Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp was headbutted by a pitch invader after their play-off semi-final defeat against Forest on Tuesday night

Billy Sharp posted his views on Instagram yesterday morning after the incident the night before

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom was left furious by the incident involving Sharp

As fans spilled on to the pitch to celebrate their victory on penalties (pictured), one ran towards Sharp

‘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.

‘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 after the incident.’  

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom called for the fan to be jailed.

He said: ‘Billy was minding his own business and he was assaulted, blind-sided. It was cowardly. Billy is shaken up and he needed stitches. We have the footage. 

‘We always see people talking about player safety but nothing is ever done about it.’

An English Football League (EFL) statement said: ‘We recognise this lawlessness is being conducted by a small minority of individuals and the majority attending matches are a credit to their club.

‘However, it is not acceptable for fans to enter the field of play at any time given the EFL’s objective is to ensure our matches remain safe and welcoming for all.

‘This summer we will consider what further measures are at our disposal, including the potential use of capacity reductions or similar mitigations. Punitive action will follow for those who continue to disregard ground regulations and break the law at matches.’

The English Football League (EFL)  has condemned a small minority of ‘lawless’ supporters causing unrest in England. (Pictured: Rick Parry, chairman of the EFL)

After Jack Grealish, then at Aston Villa, was punched by a fan at Birmingham in March 2019, the FA warned of increased penalties. 

Martin Glenn, chief executive at the time, wrote: ‘The FA has the power to take disciplinary action for spectators or unauthorised persons encroaching on to the pitch. In addition, we will be looking into what further action may be necessary going forward.’

Under FA Rule E20b, clubs face anything from a warning through to stadium closure and points deductions if found guilty of failing to take adequate action.

Forest fans ran on when Brice Samba saved from Morgan Gibbs-White to send Forest to Wembley, while flares were also thrown.

The PFA said: ‘We are shocked and appalled. Security and fan disorder need to be reviewed, and we will be raising player safety with clubs, leagues and the UK Football Policing Unit. There is no place in football for this.’