Sheffield United v Milton Keynes Dons: Blades call for fan ban following spitting incident

The incident happened in the Blades’ technical area as home supporters celebrated a stoppage-time equaliser in Saturday’s game at Brisbane Road. Manager Danny Wilson wants the person involved to be identified and banned from all English football grounds.

“It was absolutely disgusting and has no place in society let alone football,” said Wilson yesterday. “We have written to both Leyton Orient and the league seeking their observations.

“The bigger concern is that a spectator is able to come down from the stands, get into our dug-out, and do what he did. Stewards are supposed to stop that from happening. We want the culprit banned from football for life.“

The Blades are still fifth in the League One table despite Saturday’s result and host sixth-placed Milton Keynes Dons tonight at Bramall Lane.

Manager Wilson is under growing pressure to axe goalkeeper Steve Simonsen after his latest blunder cost the Blades victory on Saturday.

Simonsen, who was also criticised in the wake of the Steel City derby, failed to punch clear a cross and the loose ball was subsequently tucked home by Kevin Lisbie. Wilson has not ruled out the possibility of signing a goalkeeper on loan, but also has teenager George Long.

Long, 18, helped the Blades reach last season’s FA Youth Cup final and has played two games this season in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“Goalkeeping cover is an area where we are thin on the ground,” admitted Wilson. “If Steve is lacking a bit of confidence, we have a decision to make. I would have no problem throwing George into the team, no worries about him mentally or physically. I know he would respond well to the challenge and he’s already played in front of big crowds and dealt with it.

“What I won’t do is criticise any one individual,” he added. “We are not going to hang anyone out to dry. Steve Simonsen has been in the game a long time. He has come through situations like this before and will do again. But there are certain things to address and I am not going to be flippant and say we are not concerned. Of course we are.”

The Blades are without midfielder Lee Williamson tonight due to a badly bruised shin. The Dons include defender Mark Beevers, who is on loan from Sheffield Wednesday.

Wilson spent 18 months in charge at MK Dons and was sacked after the club’s relegation to League Two in 2006.

Last six games: Blades LLWDWL, MK Dons DDWLDD.

Last time: Blades 2 MK Dons 1; April 12, 2004; Championship.

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).