Leeds fan jailed for attacking Newcastle manager Eddie Howe

David Derbyshire, who was seen being led off the pitch at Elland Road after a collision with Eddie Howe, has lost his job and his partner after his arrest. Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

A Leeds United fan has been jailed and banned from football stadiums for six years after being found guilty of assaulting Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.

David Derbyshire, 35, collided with Howe after running onto the Elland Road pitch during a Premier League game in May.

Howe was shaken by the attack but did not suffer any physical injury in front of the Newcastle and Leeds coaching staff. stewards restrained the fan.

Derbyshire was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court to three months in prison and was also banned from all matches for a minimum of six years, with the severity of the punishment described as a warning by others.

The court heard the incident happened in the 93rd minute of the match, with the teams drawing 2-2, which was the final score. The footage showed Derbyshire entering the field and then patting Howe on the shoulder several times. He then pushed him in the chest before being led away by security officers.

District Judge Tim Capstick told him: “You attended a football match at Elland Road as a fan. You clearly drank a significant amount of alcohol before coming down to earth, and it is clear that alcohol has been a long-term problem for you.

“You decided to leave the stand and walk across the playing area and essentially attack the Newcastle football manager, Mr Howe.

“In my opinion, this case is outside the rules and has a number of aggravating circumstances.

He said Howe was «vulnerable» and targeted «simply because he was the football manager of the team playing against Leeds on that day of the match.»

Judge Capstick added: «Your behavior could have led to further violence or disorder in the stadium, as this was the last match of the season [in fact, it was the third from last] and all that comes with it.»

» Worse Moreover, the match was televised, so your behavior was seen on national television and seen by millions of people.

“I am satisfied that these offenses are serious enough to warrant a prison sentence.”

Derbyshire's lawyer said his client had lost his job and partner since his arrest.

Judge Capstick said: “It needs to be made clear that people who behave as you have must understand that they may expect imprisonment.”