Former Premier League boss in centre of huge tunnel brawl as tempers flare following dramatic Championship clash
CHRIS WILDER was involved in a dramatic tunnel melee following Sheffield United’s 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle.
The promotion-chasing Blades had led the crucial Championship contest 1-0 going into the final 10 minutes.
But dramatic late goals by Ryan Hardie and Muhamed Tijani saw Argyle turn the tables to grab a crucial three points in their battle for survival.
Following the final whistle, Wilder conducted a team talk with his players on the Home Park pitch.
Victorious Argyle stars, meanwhile, celebrated with their jubilant supporters.
The tunnel at Home Park is situated next to the Barn Park End away section.
As he made his way back to the dressing room, Wilder appeared to be unhappy with the way Argyle forward Mustapha Bundu was celebrating in front of the Sheffield United supporters.
The 57-year-old began having words with Bundu, who was joined at the scene by England youth international Darko Gyabi.
Sheffield United’s Ben Brereton Diaz and Harry Clarke, as well as Argyle’s Jordan Houghton, appeared to back up their respective colleagues.
There then looked to be some pushing and shoving in the tunnel as the teams each made their way back to their respective dressing rooms.
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Sheffield United’s defeat was their third in a row and a brutal blow to their automatic promotion hopes.
Following Burnley‘s victory over Norwich last night and Leeds‘ home win over Preston earlier today, the Blades now trail the top two by five points with just four games remaining.
Asked about what happened in the tunnel, Wilder told Sky Sports: “Absolutely nothing really. They’re celebrating a big win, they’re coming off and unfortunately our supporters are in the stand right next to the tunnel.
“So yeah, get everybody in, I’ve spoken to their manager, he’s good as gold. He understands the situation just as much as a I do, and the referee and the assessor.
“Emotions run high in a game of football, which I’ve always said, for their boys as well because it’s a huge win for them.
“I’m sure if we’d have won the game today that would have made it double difficult for them to stay in the division.
“They’ve given themselves a fighting chance in staying in the division and we’ve given up another massive opportunity to get in touch and close the gap with Leeds United and Burnley.”
Wilder also gave his team a talking to on the pitch after the game in scenes reminiscent of Hull boss Phil Brown’s on-field lecture in 2008.
Argyle’s win saw them climb to within two points of safety, going into today’s 3pm kick-offs.
Miron Muslic’s side have been stuck at the bottom of the table for much of the season, including under his predecessor Wayne Rooney, but remain in touching distance of safety with four games left to play.
Argyle will be in back in action at Middlesbrough on Good Friday, while Sheffield United will begin their Easter weekend by hosting strugglers Cardiff.