The Football Association has released this statement about the violent scenes at the Leeds United vs. Sheffield Wednesday match at Hillsborough last night:
The FA condemns the scenes at Hillsborough last night. We have begun an immediate investigation and have been in contact with both clubs.
We would call for the authorities to identify and bring before the courts anyone who was involved in any form of criminal disorder.
With the public's assistance we have clearly identified the offender who ran onto the pitch during last night's game between Sheffield Wednesday FC and Leeds United FC and who is suspected of assaulting the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper.
We are dealing with the complaint made by the player and we are currently taking statements, collating evidence and making enquiries to locate and arrest the offender.
We are also using CCTV footage from around the ground to identify suspects who may have been responsible for other offences before, during or after the match.
– Detective Inspector Mark Monteiro, south yorkshire police
Police identify man who assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalie
South Yorkshire Police say they have identified the man who ran onto the pitch and assaulted the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland last night.
In a statement, they said they had been able to do this with the public's assistance.
Police issue plea to find goalie Kirkland's attacker
South Yorkshire Police has vowed to work with Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United to find the person who assaulted goalkeeper Chris Kirkland during tonight's game between the clubs at Hillsborough.
Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland lays on the ground after been struck by a Leeds United fan Credit: Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport
Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin of South Yorkshire Police said, “During tonight’s match, Sheffield Wednesday versus Leeds United, at Hillsborough incidents occurred where is it 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," he continued.
The chief superintendent stressed that "such incidents are not acceptable and won't be tolerated".
He urged people who can help identify the attacker or anyone else involved in incidents of violence at the match to contact the police, quoting incident number 681 of 19 October, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.