A football fan has been jailed for assaulting the Newcastle United manager, Eddie Howe, during a Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road.
David Derbyshire, 35, was handed a 12-week prison sentence and a six-year football banning order at Leeds magistrates court.
During stoppage time of the 2-2 draw on 13 May this year, which was broadcast live on television, the Leeds fan left his seat in the stands, entered the Newcastle pitch-side technical area and had a verbal altercation with Howe.
Derbyshire then pushed the Newcastle manager’s left shoulder before being escorted away by security. He was arrested by West Yorkshire police.
Leeds later banned Derbyshire for life.
Derbyshire pleaded guilty to charges of entering the playing area at a designated football match without lawful excuse and common assault on 21 July.
Ch Supt Richard Close, who led the policing operation at the match, said: “Criminal behaviour of this kind is completely unacceptable, particularly where club staff or players are targeted during a large-scale sports event such as this. I know that fans of the sport, regardless of their club affiliations, will join us in condemning anyone who acts in this way.
“We will always treat incidents like this very seriously and we work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to fully investigate any offences and take robust action against those responsible, including seeking football banning orders against them.”
After the game, Howe told BT Sport, which has been subsequently rebranded to TNT Sports: “That was a real surprise. I was concentrating on the game. It was the last thing you think could happen.
“I can’t repeat what he said but it makes you think ‘what if?’. It was personal to me. I can’t remember if he pushed me or not, it was such a strange thing to happen. Moments like that make you think.”
