A hooligan who ran on to the pitch and assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland during a Championship football match against Leeds Friday night has been identified by police.

The suspect, who has been named on social media sites but not by police, has yet to be arrested after former England goalkeeper Kirkland was shoved in the face amid ugly scenes at Hillsborough.

The Football Association is also investigating crowd trouble at the Yorkshire derby and is awaiting the referee’s report.

Kirkland was assaulted by a Leeds fan after the visitors had equalised.

The shocking scenes were broadcast live on Sky Sports and fans were quick to condemn the trouble on Twitter and Facebook. That led to a suspect being named on sites, and a mobile phone number being circulated.

South Yorkshire Police’s senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Mark Monteiro, said: “With the public’s assistance we have clearly identified the offender who ran on to the pitch during Friday night’s game 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 inquiries to locate and arrest the offender.”

An FA spokesman said: “The FA condemns the scenes at Hillsborough. 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.”

Kirkland required medical treatment before he could continue after the attack which came after Michael Tonge had scored a 76th-minute equaliser for Leeds.

There were five arrests for various offences including public order before and after the game, while three people were ejected from the ground and 12 were subject to dispersal orders.

The match was marred by vicious chanting from some Leeds fans about Wednesday manager Dave Jones, who was cleared of child abuse allegations in 2000.

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