Nottingham Forest defender Steve Cook has apologised for his involvement in a "smoke bomb incident" during the Reds' 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
Forest hold a slender lead over the Blades heading into the second-leg clash on Tuesday after a goal in either half from Jack Colback and Brennan Johnson. The Reds started brightly when Colback smashed home a loose ball after Sam Surridge saw his initial strike saved. Surridge and Johnson both had further chances to score but could not increase the visitors' lead before the break.
Johnson eventually grabbed the goal that his performance deserved when he shot past Wes Foderingham after Joe Lolley's effort fell into his stride inside the penalty area, but Sander Berge has set-up a nervy second-leg clash with his late header reducing the deficit for the Blades.
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It appears Cook picked up a 'smoke bomb' during the celebrations of Johnson's goal. Speaking to Sky Sports, Cooper said: "I've got to apologise for the smoke bomb incident . I shouldn't have messed about. I should have left it and carried on."
Turning to the game as a whole, he said: "It was a great result. There's a bit of frustration at the end conceding, but going back to the City Ground, we're positive.
"We had to weather a storm. We knew it was coming. They were playing towards their main stand with their fans. To catch them when we did was nice, but it's a little frustrating the way we've conceded. I felt it was a foul on Brice but we dominated the game with chances. We could have had the tie done but we're pleased and we go again.
"We need to kick on. It's only a one goal advantage but it's going to be a great night again."
