Ban threat hangs over Johnson after derby incident

The Football Association are studying video replays of the incident which was missed by referee Chris Foy and, if it is felt that Johnson deliberately struck Cresswell, he will incur an immediate three-match ban for violent conduct.

That would rule him out of Saturday's trip to Cardiff City and the showdown with relegation rivals Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.

Johnson, who was sent off in the corresponding fixture at Hillsborough last season, had missed four of Wednesday's previous six games with a hamstring injury and his return had been hailed as a major survival boost by manager Alan Irvine.

But the former Bradford City player may now have to sit out the two games that will shape Wednesday's future as well as the first game of next season.

Cresswell needed several stitches in a nasty head wound after being caught by Johnson's elbow during a tangle for the ball at Hillsborough.

Blades manager Kevin Blackwell insisted that his player had been elbowed and described it as a 'poor challenge' by the Jamaican international.

If referee Foy had punished the offence at the time, the FA would have been unable to take any action but his failure to do so opens the door for trial by video.

The Owls are one point adrift of safety going into the final two games of the season and will be keeping a close eye on events tonight at Loftus Road and Glanford Park where fellow strugglers Watford and Scunthorpe United are both in action.

Watford, who are two points clear of the relegation zone, visit Queens Park Rangers while Scunthorpe, who are four points clear, host Reading.

Defeats for both Watford and Scunthorpe would be welcome news for the Owls who surrendered two points on Sunday in the draw with Blades.