20 Oct 2012

Former England keeper Kirkland attacked by Leeds fan

11:14 am on 20 October 2012

Former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was attacked by an opposition fan during his Sheffield Wednesday team's 1-1 home draw with Leeds United in the English Championship.

The 31-year-old former Liverpool, Wigan Athletic and Coventry City keeper, who picked up one England cap in 2006, was knocked to the floor with a push to the face after the supporter ran on the pitch following the Leeds equaliser in the 77th minute.

After medical treatment Kirkland was able to continue for the remainder of the Hillsborough clash.

Wednesday manager Dave Jones, who was taunted by the visiting supporters during the match, says Leeds fans should be banned from every away ground now.

Leeds manager Neil Warnock was equally incensed by the incident in the Yorkshire derby match, saying the police should prosecute the offender and put him in prison.

The draw left Leeds sixth in the table with 18 points from 11 games. Wednesday are third from bottom on nine points.