Sheffield United's Hamza Choudhury reacts after his team's Championship match against Burnley at Turf Moor on April 21, 2025. Photo: X
Sheffield United's automatic promotion hopes were dashed on Monday as Chris Wilder's side fell to a 2-1 defeat at Burnley, confirming a third-place finish and a tense route to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Earlier in the day, Leeds United thrashed Stoke 6-0 at Elland Road, piling pressure on the Blades to keep their hopes alive.
However, a brace from Burnley captain Josh Brownhill condemned Sheffield to their third defeat in five matches, underlining a costly dip in form at the business end of the season.
Sheffield are on 86 points and are guaranteed to finish third, eight adrift of second-placed Burnley.
At Turf Moor, despite equalising through Thomas Cannon, Sheffield could not match Burnley's resilience, with Brownhill restoring the hosts' lead before half-time, in the 44th minute, after having broken the deadlock in the 28th.
After the final whistle following a goalless second half, Bangladesh star Hamza Choudhury, who operated as the right-back, was involved in a heated altercation while Burnley fans stormed the pitch to celebrate a Premier League return.
The full context behind the incident remains unclear. Hamza was seen clashing with security after reportedly being provoked by a home supporter. The on-loan Leicester midfielder had to be restrained and was eventually ushered down the tunnel.
The Blades must now regroup ahead of the play-offs, where promotion will hang on their ability to recapture early-season consistency.
