Here are your Leeds United morning headlines on Sunday May 14, 2023.
Man charged with assault
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed they have charged a man with assault and entering the field of play following yesterday's incident at Elland Road. A supporter ran onto the pitch in the closing stages of Leeds' 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.
Upon entering the pitch he appeared to push Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, before being escorted away from the dugout. Leeds confirmed soon after the game they had issued a lifetime ban for the 'supporter' who now faces criminal charges.
The police issued a statement early this morning, saying; "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 (13/5). The man has been bailed to appear before magistrates on 21 July."
Read more: Every word Sam Allardyce said on Leeds United's draw, Bamford, Robles, penalty calls, Koch
Speaking in the aftermath of the game, Magpies boss Howe had little to no recollection of what actually happened, having been caught up in the action on the pitch as his side chased a winner to boost their Champions League aspirations.
Recounting the incident in his post-match press conference, Howe said: “Do you know what, I actually can't remember whether he pushed me or not. I’ve got no idea.
“It was just such a strange thing because you're concentrating on the game, it’s not something you expect to happen. I think he confronted me, he said something that I can't repeat and then he's led away. I think that's what happened, but someone might tell me different.
“I’m okay. I think moments like that do make you think, the safety of staff players is paramount for me in the Premier League, any matches, in the Football League. We need to be mindful. I think security is so important."
Ayling discusses Big Sam magic
Luke Ayling has hailed Leeds United's character after picking up a valuable point in the battle to avoid relegation with a draw against Newcastle United. The full-back opened the scoring in a highly-charged encounter at Elland Road on Saturday which finished 2-2.
Ayling scored on his 250th appearance for United and following the full-time whistle, he was asked about the 'magic' impact of Sam Allardyce. The full-back admitted the new appointment had lifted the mood in the camp and has instilled belief ahead of their final two fixtures against West Ham and Tottenham.
Ayling told BT Sport: "The place lifts as soon as he walks in. Hopefully we can kick on from here, a club like this should be in the Premier League. We have two games to do that.
"We played well last week against Man City, we got beaten 2-1 by the best team in the world. We've come out here against a team in form and grind out a 2-2 result. Now, we've got to make sure we carry this on next week."
Ex-Leeds star has a warning
Leeds United must improve their defensive decision making to stop giving away penalties, if they are to survive in the Premier League. The Whites twice conceded spot-kicks in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United and Sam Allardyce bemoaned the fact they have now given away three penalties in his two games in charge.
Former Leeds United star Gary McAllister feels it was 'rash' decisions which caused the problems. Max Wober was guilty of an unecessary challenge on Alexander Isak for the first, while Junior Firpo inexplicably handballed to allow Callum Wilson to score his second.
"I would say the decision-making of the two players that gave the penalties away were rash, and that comes from being under pressure," McAllister said. "The pressure of having to get a result, they’ve made bad decisions.
"Wober on the first one goes and swipes his left foot, no need, just stay on your feet. Then, Firpo on the second one, it’s just unexplainable why he goes so high with his hands. He gets himself in a bad position and it’s just desperate. You make the wrong decision, but Sam’s happy with the way the team responded. Nobody just went under. They could have easily won that."
See everything McAllister had to say here
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