Newcastle city center became a no-go zone after Jamaal Lacelles incident — Eddie Howe

The attack on Jamaal Lacelles (left) forced the Newcastle manager to change his approach. Credit: EPA/Adam Vaughn

Eddie Howe warned his Newcastle United players that the city center had become a 'no-go zone' for them after a vicious attack on club captain Jamaal Lascelles last month.

Lascelles was found involved in a fight with a gang of men. near a nightclub almost two weeks ago after he was forced to step in to protect his teenage brother from an attack.

The incident took place around 4 am on 20 August after the players were given two days off following a 1-0 loss to Manchester City. While defending his player, Howe said it was a mistake to be in the city at this time of the morning.

This forced the Newcastle manager to change his approach, which considers the attack on Lacelles to be a reminder of the dangers, from that players face when they go clubbing in a city famous for its parties until the morning.

«Firstly, the club will decide all issues within itself,» Howe said. “In fact, the first thought was Jamaal’s safety, and the safety of his family was our top priority.

“We believe that he was kind of innocent at the beginning of what happened and acted as a peacemaker. I also want to say about this: we would prefer that our players were not in the city center early in the morning. I think it's natural of me, but going back to the first point, Jamaal's safety is paramount. He's fine, and his brother is fine.»

When asked if he would now tell players that downtown should be a no-go area for the weekend, Howe replied, «Unfortunately, probably , Yes. In this day and age, given the number of games we have, I'm not sure that we as a group of players and staff should be there.

“[They come out] in the early hours, just purely with games and the player profile now and what we have this season. So you're probably right, and I'd probably say no [don't go out].»

«Theoretically, it would be nice if we were in the city center with our people. , but the reality is that this is probably not the best place for us to exist until late.”