Lifetime bans for Owls fans in weekend trouble

The last-day showdown ended 2-2 in front of a sell-out crowd of 37,121 and while the point was enough to save Palace from the drop, Wednesday were condemned to a return to Coca-Cola League One.

Police moved swiftly to separate both sets of fans who had invaded the pitch after the final whistle.

Several isolated violent exchanges were snuffed out, but Palace defender Clint Hill required the protection of stewards as he raced for the safety of the players' tunnel.

A club statement read: "Sheffield Wednesday will assist South Yorkshire Police wherever possible with regard to investigations into disorder surrounding the match against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"As with any event at Hillsborough, the club will review the matchday operations and will also assist police regarding any incidents that may have taken place away from the stadium.

"Sheffield Wednesday will support the authorities accordingly and individuals proven to have behaved inappropriately will be placed on lifetime club bans.

"The club will be in contact with the police and local safety advisory group first thing on Tuesday morning to ensure the club plays its role in any investigations that will take place surrounding Sunday's match."

Both Palace manager Paul Hart and Owls counterpart Alan Irvine claimed afterwards to have been unaware of the ugly scenes that unfolded.

Police later arrested eight football fans outside the stadium for public order and assault.

A police spokesman said: "Essentially, Sheffield Wednesday supporters were involved in disorder outside the ground just after the game.

"Eight arrests were made for public order and assault and officers are reviewing footage from the police helicopter with the view to perhaps making more arrests."

The spokesman said nobody was seriously injured during the disruption although police vehicles and nearby property were damaged.

The Football Association is expected to launch an inquiry.