Fans call for Billy Sharp ban after Sheffield United striker appears to punch opponent

Football fans are calling for Billy Sharp to be handed a lengthy ban after the Sheffield United striker appeared to throw a punch during a game on Saturday.

However, four defeats in eight league games since the start of February have seen their healthy cushion on third-place Middlesbrough shrink to just four points with 10 games still to play.

Automatic promotion to the Premier League is no longer a certainty, and while Paul Heckingbottom's side have andured an unexpected run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, tensions at Bramall Lane are beginning to show.

Frustrations have now been summed up by what can only be described as a moment of madness from veteran striker Sharp.

The 37-year-old striker came off the bench just after Carlton Morris had given Luton the lead, and he soon clashed with one of his opponents.

Chasing a flicked ball forward, Sharp battled for the ball with defender Tom Lockyer and appeared to punch Wales international.

The incident left the defender lying on the turf, but referee Leigh Doughty waved play-on despite the protestations of the Luton players.

On Twitter, fans of Luton and other clubs couldn't understand how Sharp wasn't sent off, and called for action to be taken.

"That's actually assault," argued @FrankieHolliday, while @wfc_westy said: "What is Sharp even trying to do there, and how haven't the officials seen it? The standard of officiating in the EFL is absolutely awful. That's a straight red."

Some, like @ftbl_nb, called for Sharp to receive a ban. "If this isn't a three match ban then I don't even know anymore."

This isn't the first time that Sharp has caused controversy this season. The striker became embroiled in a war of words with Wrexham players and straff after Sheffield United and the Welsh side played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

On this latest incident, Wrexham fan @cathelizabeth said: "Billy sharp at it again - how is this ok???"