Leeds United news as security verdict shared by journalist after lunatic incident
Clubs such as Leeds United must pay out to ensure adequate security measures are in place to stop incidents like the one last Saturday when Eddie Howe was confronted at Elland Road, according to Ian Herbert of the Daily Mail [17 May, Page 67].
The Newcastle United boss was confronted in the technical area by a fan, described by Herbert as a “lunatic”, in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw.
Leeds will host another pressure cooker contest on Sunday 28 May when Sam Allardyce’s team host Tottenham Hotspur on the last day of the Premier League season.
Herbert believes that not enough was made of the threat to Howe’s safety, despite the widespread condemnation that followed the incident, including action from the club.
“The lunatic Leeds pitch invader who confronted Newcastle boss Eddie Howe at Elland Road only commanded headlines for a day or so. Arrest made. Lifetime ban. Apology issued,” he said.
“Little sense of how shocking that scene was. Perhaps we’re becoming immune to it.
“It’s time for clubs to pay out for security reflecting the threat at these high-pressure games. And for those in the company of such lunatics to rein them in.”
Responsibility matters
There is no excuse for what happened at the game last week, no fan has the right to enter the vicinity of the pitch to confront any player or official in the way that Eddie Howe was targeted.
The responsibility very much lies with individuals acting accordingly and respecting the club that they are supposed to care passionately about.
Football conjures up a lot of feeling and emotion, probably more than it should but the game means so much to so many and that is why we love it, with all the noise and atmosphere that is generated in such a big game.
While Herbert suggests more security arrangements, there is only so much that the clubs can do in the context of modern stadiums, and the vast majority of supporters behave in a totally normal way.
The individual responsible has rightly been punished and will have to live with the consequences.
In other Leeds United news, Karen Carney has her say on the Whites’ relegation prospects as she issues a damning verdict on Sam Allardyce’s men after what she saw recently.