A Leeds United supporter has bagged three months detention for assaulting Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during a match at Elland Road on May 13, News About Nigeria understands.
David Derbyshire, 35, rushed onto the pitch during the closing time of the game which ended in a 2-2 draw between Leeds and Newcastle.
Derbyshire approached Howe, tapped him on the shoulder, yelled at him, and pushed him before being stopped by security.
In addition to the jail term, Derbyshire has been banned from attending any football matches for at least six years. Leeds Crown Court heard that Derbyshire had admitted to entering the playing area without a valid reason and assaulting Howe.
During the hearing, Derbyshire’s barrister mentioned that his client had lost his job, his partner, and was dealing with health issues since his arrest. Despite these factors, District Judge Tim Capstick decided to impose a custodial sentence, citing several aggravating factors in the case.
Judge Capstick noted that Derbyshire had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before attending the match and that alcohol had been a long-term issue for him.
The judge expressed concern about the risk of further violence or crowd trouble, especially considering it was the last match of the season and televised to a national audience.
Addressing Derbyshire, the judge said, “Your behavior had a risk of causing further violence or crowd trouble at the ground, it being the last match of the season and all that that entailed. Worse still, that match was televised, so your behavior was seen on national TV and seen by millions of people.
“I am satisfied that these offenses are serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence. The message needs to go out that people who behave as you do need to understand they can expect a custodial sentence.”
The incident occurred in the 93rd minute of the match following the expulsion of Leeds defender Junior Firpo. Tensions were already high due to Leeds’ battle against relegation from the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe, speaking to BT Sport after the game, expressed his surprise at the incident and the need to prioritize security in football stadiums.
