Man jailed for attacking Newcastle manager Eddie Howe at Leeds match
A LEEDS fan has been jailed for attacking Newcastle manager Eddie Howe when he invaded the pitch during a match.
David Derbyshire, 35, stormed the Newcastle dug-out at Elland Road in May this year.
The football fan rowed with Howe before shoving him in the arm during the injury time attack.
He was then dragged away by staff at the Leeds ground as the drama was watched by thousands on BT Sport.
After he was arrested, Derbyshire told cops: “I went on the pitch, I went on the pitch, I am a d**k.”
He has now been jailed for 12 weeks and slapped with a six-year football banning order.
Leeds Magistrates’ Court was previously told Derbyshire has been served with a lifetime ban from Elland Road.
Following the assault, Howe said: “He confronted me, said something that I can’t repeat and was then led away.
“I’m OK. Moments like that do make you think about the safety of staff and players is paramount for me at any matches in the Premier League and Football League. We need to be mindful, security is so important.
“I don’t know if I had time to be fearful because it was over in a flash but it certainly makes you think ‘what if’ and I think it is moments like this that should make people look and analyse how we can improve safety for staff and players.
“No one should have to face that, playing a sport we love and trying to entertain the country, no one should feel like their own personal safety is violated. It is something for us to reflect on.”
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