Assault charges against Scotland forward Oli McBurnie 'under review'

Assault charges against Scotland international footballer Oli McBurnie following a pitch invasion after an English Championship play-off match are ‘under review’.

McBurnie was charged with common assault in June after an incident during his side Sheffield United’s final game of the season.

United’s semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground ended with the Yorkshire side being knocked out, but the match was overshadowed when supporters rushed on to the field of play following a penalty shootout.

Similar charges against his teammate, Rhian Brewster were dropped after a fan claimed that he had been stamped on by the player.

A hearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court was told that the case against Brewster had been discontinued. A provisional date was set for McBurnie hearings but prosecutors said that they were still reviewing his case.

The judge added: “In relation to the case of Mr Oli McBurnie the case stands adjourned until 10am on the 4th of August.”

The pitch invasion at the City Ground say fans clashing with players and veteran United striker Billy Sharp needed hospital treatment after being assaulted.

Forest season ticket holder Robert Biggs, 30, admitted assault after Sharp was left requiring four stitches to a wound to his lip.

Biggs was jailed for 24 weeks and handed a 10-year football banning order.

Following the match, Sheffield United had said that Brewster and McBurnie had co-operated fully with the police and denied any wrongdoing.

A club statement read: “Both players voluntarily engaged in interviews with Nottinghamshire Police in the aftermath of the fixture which saw their team-mate, Billy Sharp, the victim of assault in the chaos which followed the final whistle.

“Brewster and McBurnie strenuously deny the charges brought against them and football manager Paul Heckingbottom, who wrote letters to the League Managers’ Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association, the EFL and FA following a number of pitch invasions last month – including one involving Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira – is continuing discussions with key stakeholders in a bid to better protect players and staff in their place of work.”

Leeds born centre forward McBurnie has played 16 times for Scotland since his first cap in 2018, but the 26-year-old, who has also played for Swansea City and Bradford City, has yet to score for the national side.

He helped Steve Clarke’s men qualify for Euro 2020, by taking one of the decisive penalties in the shoot-out against Serbia, but missed the final tournament through injury and has been unable to earn his place back since.