A man was charged with assault after running onto the field and shoving a manager during the an English Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United on Saturday.
The spectator entered the technical area of the field late during the 2-2 draw at Elland Road in Leeds and appeared to shove and shout at Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before being escorted away by stadium security.
Police in West Yorkshire said in a statement that the man, who was not named, was charged with assault and entering the field of play. The man was bailed out and is to appear before magistrates on July 21. Leeds United confirmed in a statement the fan received a lifetime ban from Elland Road.
‘Such a strange thing’
Howe spoke about the incident after the match, saying he couldn’t remember if the man pushed him or not.
“It was just such a strange thing because you’re concentrating on the game. It’s not something you expect to happen,” Howe said. “He confronted me, said something I can’t repeat, and then he’s led away.”
The manager also stressed the importance of security.
“Moments like that do make you think the safety of staff, players is paramount for me at the Premier League,” Howe said. “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.”
In April, the Premier League, along with the Football Association and other English soccer leagues, issued a statement regarding fan behavior, stating any fan entering the field of play without permission are breaking the law.
“We know that this unacceptable behaviour is carried out by a minority of fans, and their actions do not represent most supporters, but they risk ruining the fantastic experience of a football match for everyone,” the statement read.
Newcastle United in third in the Premier League standings, while Leeds United is in the relegation zone at 18th place, one point from 17th-place Everton.
