The punishment handed down to the Leeds United supporter who confronted Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe during the meeting between the two clubs has been confirmed late on Saturday evening.
For those who may have missed it, Howe was at the centre of a bizarre scene, late in today’s action at Elland Road.
En route to an action-packed 2-2 stalemate, as proceedings rolled into injury time, a member of the home crowd somehow managed to make his way onto the touchline, to confront Newcastle’s headmaster.
Not only that, but, after directing what appeared to be an angry jibe at the tactician, the fan in question even went as far as to push Howe.
Security quickly rushed to the scene, but the damage, as far most were concerned, had been done.
Speaking to the media post-match, the visiting boss, for one, admitted that he was left ‘alarmed’ by the ease with which he was approached.
“I was looking in the opposite direction and he ran on and shouted something at me that I won’t repeat.
“It was over in a flash but it was the last thing you expect in that moment.
“It’s alarming for football really because we can’t have that, the safety of everyone, coaching staff, players, is of paramount importance.”
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the Carabao Cup fourth round match at St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Tuesday December 20, 2022 (Alamy Stock Photo)
As alluded to above, though, it has not taken at all long for Leeds to do their part in discouraging such behaviour at the club’s home fixtures moving forward.
In an official statement released on Saturday evening, the Whites confirmed that the individual responsible for today’s unsavoury scenes has been both arrested, and issued with a lifetime stadium ban:
“Leeds United can confirm that following an incident at our Premier League match against Newcastle United today, an arrest has been made and a lifetime ban has also been issued.”
What was he thinking? https://t.co/9EySGZM0Yt
— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) May 13, 2023