After conceding a late equaliser, the former England international was struck by a celebrating supporter who jumped the hoardings before escaping the stewards
Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was the subject of a violent attack from a fan during his side's clash with Leeds United at Hillsborough on Friday evening.The supporter ran onto the pitch from the away end before striking the former Liverpool goalkeeper on his blind-side, leaving him on the floor and needing treatment.
The FA confirmed to Goal.com that an investigation into the incident is taking place, but authorities are currently waiting to receive the referee's report before taking any further action.
The first Yorkshire derby between the two sides in five years was marred by the assault, which came just after Leeds had equalised through a Michael Tonge strike on 80 minutes.
The fan escaped back into the mass of Leeds support before stewards or police could detain him, though pictures of his face have already been posted on social networking website Twitter.
"I'm embarrassed to be the Leeds manager tonight," Leeds boss Neil Warnock said after the game.
"He's a moron, an idiot. I don't mind rivalry but this guy should be made an example of, prosecuted and be put in prison.
"The guy who done this has the mentality of a five year-old. He's spoilt the night for everybody, as it was a good atmosphere here up to that point."
Wednesday manager Dave Jones was quick to condemn the Leeds support after also taking issue with some of the chants from the away end.
"Vile animals they are [the Leeds fans]," Jones said. "The authorities have to do something, or these people will keep doing this. They were all chanting, so they shouldn't have been applauded afterwards.
"They want to come onto the pitch and punch my goalkeeper? They should be banned from every ground in the league."
Superintendent Jason Harwin of South Yorkshire Police later released a statement underlining the force's intention to identify the fan responsible.
"During tonight's match, Sheffield Wednesday versus Leeds United, at Hillsborough incidents occurred where it is believed seats and bottles were thrown inside the ground," he said.
"We are also aware of an incident whereby the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper has been assaulted by an individual who ran onto the pitch.
"Fans are still leaving the ground and surrounding areas and our priority is to ensure the safe departure of fans.
"Such incidents are not acceptable and won't be tolerated. We will be working with both clubs to identify and quickly bring to justice the persons responsible.
"Thankfully, such incidents are a rarity and we see a minority spoil it for the majority of genuine supporters."
