A football fan who ran onto the pitch and assaulted a player has been jailed.

Robert Biggs, aged 30, was caught on camera as he ran towards and headbutted Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp, moments after the conclusion of Tuesday's play-off semi-final match between Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United.

Biggs, of Ilkeston, was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning after calling police to give himself up.

During his police interview he admitted it was him in the footage but claimed he had not intended to make contact with the player.

Biggs, who said he had downed six pints of beer before the game and another at half time, claimed he only realised the extent of the contact when he saw the damning television footage.

Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates' Court today (Thursday) he pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 24 weeks.

He was also given a ten-year football banning order and ordered to pay £500 in compensation. He was must also pay a victim surcharge of £128 and costs of £85.

Detective Inspector Paul Lefford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This was an absolutely shameful end to an otherwise brilliant night of football.

"This kind of casual thuggery has no place in the game and I hope today's sentence sends out a very clear warning to others who may be tempted to act in a similar way.

"You will be identified, you will be put before the courts and you may very well end up in prison and you will not be able to watch football for a very long time."