Kilmarnock boss remembers 'carnage' of Battle of Bramall Lane as he gets set to face ex-Sheffield United man

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes will recall an afternoon of “carnage” when he comes up against new Hibernian boss Nick Montgomery at Rugby Park on Saturday.
By Ronnie Esplin
Published 15th Sep 2023, 15:45 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

On March 16, 2002, then West Brom captain McInnes was a key figure in the ‘Battle of Bramall Lane’ between Sheffield United and the Baggies.

McInnes scored for West Brom while Montgomery, who joined the Easter Road club this week from Central Coast Mariners in Australia, was on the bench for the Blades.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United had three men sent off – substitute Patrick Suffo was dismissed for headbutting McInnes – and when two players went off injured at 3-0 down leaving the home side with only six players, referee Eddie Wolstenholme had no option but to abandon the game, with West Brom subsequently awarded a 3-0 win.

Sheffield Utd Captain Keith Curle (centre left) almost gets involved in another fight whilst West Brom Skipper Derek McInnes (right) is treated after being struck during their Nationwide League Division One match at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground, Saturday March 16, 2002. PA Photo: Paul Barker.Sheffield Utd Captain Keith Curle (centre left) almost gets involved in another fight whilst West Brom Skipper Derek McInnes (right) is treated after being struck during their Nationwide League Division One match at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground, Saturday March 16, 2002. PA Photo: Paul Barker.
Sheffield Utd Captain Keith Curle (centre left) almost gets involved in another fight whilst West Brom Skipper Derek McInnes (right) is treated after being struck during their Nationwide League Division One match at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground, Saturday March 16, 2002. PA Photo: Paul Barker.

MORE: "Was it set up?" - Remembering the 'Battle of Bramall Lane' between Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion

McInnes said: “I remember getting headbutted and scoring the best goal I have ever scored. Nobody talks about the goal, they always talk about the headbutt.

“It was just carnage. It was an unsavoury afternoon for English football.

“Nick was an unused sub but we were just the opponent, we weren’t part of it, it was all played out by Sheffield United.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“What went on that day was ridiculous and nothing will change my mind on it, it was a deliberate act to try to get a game abandoned.

MORE: 'I’m not sure I’d do anything differently...’ - Patrick Suffo remembers 'Battle of Bramall Lane’

“I felt for the referee, Eddie Wolstenhome. We were pleading with him to make sure it got finished, but the antics of that lot led to it being abandoned. We got a 3-0 win awarded to us.

“I haven’t seen Nick since we were all fighting in the tunnel that day – no, I am joking.

“I knew Nick was operating in Australia and doing well and he deserves this opportunity and I am looking forward to catching up with him tomorrow.”

Related topics:Derek McInnesKilmarnockAustralia