Leeds United likely to be hit by FA charge after Newcastle United incident
Leeds United are expected to be hit with a charge from the FA after Eddie Howe was confronted by a fan during Saturday’s game against Newcastle United, as reported by the Daily Mail [15 May, The Verdict, Page 7].
Talks will take place to establish how the incident was able to happen, from a security perspective, with Howe’s safety comprised.
The controversial moment overshadowed another massive fixture for the Whites with the 2-2 draw earning a point toward the battle for Premier League survival.
The Magpies’ boss reacted to the unpleasant confrontation which happened during the final stages of the contest at Goodison Park, as relayed by the Mail feature.
“Leeds are likely to be charged by the FA after a fan shoved and abused Eddie Howe on the touchline at Elland Road,” it said.
“The man has been charged with assault by police and given a lifetime ban by Leeds. He entered the technical area in stoppage time of Saturday’s 2-2 draw before confronting Howe, who commented on the matter.
“It makes you think, ‘What if?’. No one should have to feel their own personal safety is violated”
No excuses
This type of thing just should not happen, there is no justification for it.
Passions run high, and there is a lot of emotion and feeling involved, especially when Leeds are battling to avoid relegation to the Championship but no fan has the right to charge toward the dugouts, never mind in an aggressive manner.
The security plan will be reviewed but there is only so much the club can do to stop fans entering the vicinity of the pitch.
Ultimately, it is about personal responsibility and this one individual failed miserably in that regard with little sympathy coming his way in regard to the consequences.
At a crucial time of the campaign, when everything needs to be geared toward efforts on the pitch to stay up, this incident creates unwelcome noise and headlines that the club can do without.
A response from the FA is guaranteed which will most likely result in a sanction of some kind.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites ace was “furious” and a coach had told a Sky Sports pundit he had been “sulking”.