EFL could impose stadium closures for future pitch invasions after alleged attack

As noted by an ESPN piece, Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was allegedly assaulted during a pitch invasion following his club's Championship semifinal promotion playoff defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. 

Per PA Media (h/t The Guardian), a 31-year-old man has been arrested regarding the matter, but the English Football League could soon take steps to prevent future incidents from occurring inside stadiums.

The EFL is considering imposing partial and even full stadium closures as ways to punish clubs for pitch invasions. Governing bodies such as the EFL and UEFA routinely hold teams responsible for the actions of supporters inside of venues. 

"We recognise that this lawlessness is being conducted by a small minority of individuals and that the majority of people attending matches are a credit to their club," the EFL said in a statement released Wednesday. 

"However, it is not acceptable for supporters to enter the field of play at any time given the EFL’s objective is to ensure our matches remain a safe and welcoming one for all. Therefore, over the summer we will consider what further measures are now at our disposal, including the potential use of capacity reductions or other similar mitigations." 

PA Media reports that "ordering teams to play behind closed doors has not been ruled out" if clubs are unable to adequately police their own during or after matches. Like in the United States, it is against the law in England for paying spectators to enter fields/courts of play at any time during a competitive game or match. 

Meanwhile, Sharp addressed the incident earlier in the day via Instagram: