LEEDS: Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has blasted the lack of security at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium after he was pushed by a pitch-invading fan.
Midway through the second half of Saturday’s 2-2 draw, Howe was shoved from behind by a home fan in an unsavory incident. The supporter was escorted away by the Magpie’s own security team before being arrested by police. Leeds are now certain to face a Premier League sanction for their inability to protect playing and coaching staff.
Howe said: “I can’t remember whether he pushed me or not, I’ve got no idea. It was just such a strange thing because you’re concentrating on the game. It’s not something you expect to happen.
“He confronted me and said something that I can’t repeat and was led away. I think that’s what happened but someone might tell me different. I’m OK. Moments like that do make you think — the safety of staff and players is paramount. We need to be mindful. The security is so important.
“I don’t know if I had time to be fearful because it was over in a flash. But certainly it makes you think what if. I think it’s moments like this that should make people think and analyze things to improve safety for staff and players.
“No one should have to face that playing a sport they love and trying to entertain the country. No one should have to feel their own personal safety is violated. It’s certainly something for us to reflect on.”
A win for Manchester United over Wolves, and another for Liverpool, who play Leicester on Monday night, would open up the prospect of all three sides going into the final fortnight of the season with just a point between them.
Newcastle have a game in hand on fifth-placed Liverpool, but pressure is building as the Magpies look to get into the Champions League for the first time in two decades.
Howe said his team was prepared for the race going to the wire and the possibility of having to get points at Chelsea on the final day.
“Who knows? It’s difficult to predict anything in football. You’ve seen that today. We’re prepared for that, if it does. That will be what we have to do.
“It was a strange game. There were a lot of different feelings from it. At 1-0 down and a penalty down, you’re fearing the worst at that moment. Nick makes an incredible save and we then managed to get ourselves ahead. Ultimately, we’re disappointed not to win.
“I think, maybe, as time goes on, we might think that’s a really good point for us. I don’t feel that now, I feel disappointed we haven’t won. It depends what happens after in our next games. It could be a valuable point.
“Coming here was always going to be a difficult day. The situation Leeds are in — new manager, style of play, crowd, I think we’ve done OK. We could have played better but it’s the Premier League. It’s never easy.”
