Man who attacked NUFC’s Eddie Howe during Leeds United game has been jailed

35-year-old pitch invader David Derbyshire penetrated the technical area and pushed Howe in the 93rd minute of the tie on May 13, 2023.

This came after Leeds player Junior Firpo was sent off after a foul on Anthony Gordon earned him a second yellow card.

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Before the ensuing free kick was taken, Derbyshire jumped out of the crowd to confront Toon boss Eddie Howe before being dragged away by the match commissioners.

Newcastle had to settle for a point after a late equalizer from Leeds.

In July, he pleaded guilty to charges of entering the playing area at a particular football game without lawful excuse and assaulting Howe.

The court heard he had a verbal altercation with the magazine’s manager before hitting his left shoulder in the incident, which was broadcast live on television.

Appearing at Leeds Magistrates Court on Friday (September 8), he was sentenced by a district judge to 12 weeks in prison.

Derbyshire, from Marley Street, Beeston, Leeds, were also banned from Elland Road stadium by Leeds United.

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West Yorkshire Chief Constable Richard Close, who led the matchday policing operation, said: “Criminal behavior of this nature is completely unacceptable, particularly when club staff or players are targeted during a major sporting event such as this.”

“I know that fans of the sport, regardless of club affiliation, will join us in condemning anyone who behaves in this way.”

“We will always take incidents like this very seriously and will work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to fully investigate any breaches and take strong action against those responsible, including enforcing football banning orders against them.”