David Derbyshire, 35, from Beeston, has received a 12-week prison sentence and a six-year football banning order at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
A Leeds United fan was jailed for assaulting Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during a match at Elland Road.
David Derbyshire of Marley Street, Beeston, has been sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and given a six-year football banning order at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
A verbal altercation occurred between Derbyshire and Howe on May 13th when Derbyshire left his seat in the stands and entered the Newcastle pitch-side technical area.
He then pushed the Newcastle manager’s left shoulder.
Derbyshire was taken away by security and later arrested by West Yorkshire Police.
A live television broadcast captured the assault.
The fan was banned for life by Leeds United after committing an assault at their stadium.
Derbyshire pleaded guilty to charges of entering the playing area at a designated football match without lawful excuse and common assault.
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.”
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.”
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