Leeds fan jailed for assaulting Newcastle manager Eddie Howe during match

A Leeds United fan has been jailed for assaulting Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during a match between the two sides at Elland Road.

David Derbyshire, 35, of Marley Street, Beeston, has been handed a 12-week prison sentence and a six-year football banning order at Leeds Magistrates Court.

Derbyshire left his seat in the stands and entered the Newcastle pitch-side technical area in the 93rd minute before having a verbal altercation with Howe on Saturday 13 May this year.

He then pushed the Newcastle manager’s left shoulder.

Derbyshire was then escorted away by security before being arrested by West Yorkshire Police.

The assault was broadcast live on television.

Leeds later banned him for life for the assault.

Derbyshire pleaded guilty to charges of entering the playing area at a designated football match without lawful excuse and common assault on 21 July.

Howe told BT Sport after the match: “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.”

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Chief Superintendent 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.”