WHAT THE ELL?
Major security breach at Leeds vs Newcastle as fan SHOVES Eddie Howe in technical area before being arrested and charged
A LEEDS fan has been charged and slapped with a lifetime ban after shoving Eddie Howe in a major security breach at Elland Road.
The incident occurred during the closing stages of Leeds' 2-2 draw with Newcastle this afternoon.
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Howe, 45, appeared to be shoved by the intruder before security arrived on the scene.
The Leeds supporter was then finally caught by stewards, who subsequently led him away.
He appeared to still be aggravated as he was removed by security, seemingly shouting at something.
Following the altercation, the fan was arrested and subsequently charged.
He has also been issued with a lifetime stadium ban.
Asked about the incident after the match, Howe told BT Sport: "That was a real suprise.
"I was concentrating on the game, and that's the last thing that you would expect to happen."
He then added: "I can’t actually remember whether he pushed me or not, I’ve got no idea.
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"It was just such a strange thing. You’re concentrating on the game, it’s not something you expect to happen.
"He confronted me, he said something that I can’t repeat, then he’s led away. I think that’s what happened.
"Someone might tell me different. I’m okay.
"But I think moments like that do make you think. The safety of staff, players, is paramount for me in the Premier League or any matches in the Football League. We need to be mindful. Security is so important."
Asked if he felt fear, Howe added: "I don’t know if I had time to be fearful, to be honest, because it was over in a flash.
"It certainly makes you think, what ifs. Moments like this should hopefully make people analyse things and see how we can improve safety for staff and players."
The Toon boss then concluded: "Those types of situation, no-one should have to face that, playing a sport they love and trying to entertain the country. No-one should have to feel their own personal safety is violated. It’s something for us to reflect on."
The supporter, clad in a beige hoodie and blue jeans, provided a brief distraction in what was a frenetic Premier League clash.
Sam Allardyce's side had taken a surprise lead on just seven minutes, when Luke Ayling pounced from close range to score.
Patrick Bamford missed the opportunity to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot, seeing his tame shot saved by Nick Pope.
He was quickly made to pay, with Callum Wilson twice showing him how it's done from 12 yards to put Howe's men in front.
Leeds were able to salvage a point, however, with Rasmus Kristensen's 79th minute shot deflecting in off Kieran Trippier.
The 2-2 draw saw Allardyce's side miss the chance to climb out of the bottom three.
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Leeds remain 18th in the table, one point behind Everton - with the Toffees set to face Manchester City tomorrow.
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain third - four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with just three games to play.
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