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.

Hamza in post-match scuffle

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.

Players are having to be separated at Turf Moor as Burnley begin their promotion celebrations pic.twitter.com/WOAeuSLJtN

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 21, 2025

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‘Hamza’s influence was huge’

The Blades must now regroup ahead of the play-offs, where promotion will hang on their ability to recapture early-season consistency.