A fan has been charged with assault and entering the field during Leeds' Premier League game against Newcastle at Elland Road on Saturday. The Leeds fan ran into the technical area and attacked the Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe by pushing him in the chest during the game that ended in a 2-2 draw.
The incident took place during the closing stages of the Saturday clash, following which Leeds issued a lifetime ban on the fan. Following the incident, Eddie Howe said that he couldn’t remember much about the incident but has called for better security measures.
He said, "He confronted me, said something that I can't repeat and was then led away.” He further added, "I'm OK, moments like that do make you think about the safety of staff and players is paramount for me at any matches in the Premier League and Football League. We need to be mindful; security is so important.
Check out the incident here:
"I don't know if I had time to be fearful because it was over in a flash, but it certainly makes you think 'what if' and I think it is moments like this that should make people look and analyse how we can improve safety for staff and players. No one should have to face that, playing a sport we love and trying to entertain the country, no one should feel like their own personal safety is violated. It is something for us to reflect on," Howe further continued.
After the incident, the West Yorkshire Police issued a statement and said, "Police have charged a man with assault and entering the field of play following an incident at Elland Road football stadium during the Leeds United versus Newcastle United football match yesterday.” It further read, “The man has been bailed to appear before magistrates on 21 July. Notably, Leeds are in the relegation zone and moved up to 18th on 31 points after the draw. They will travel to West Ham United before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in their final game for the season.