The match between Leeds United and Newcastle United (2-2) in the Premier League was marred by a field attacker on Saturday afternoon. A man who, in all probability, is a supporter of the Lilywhites stepped onto the pitch and shoved Newcastle coach Eddie Howe. The stewards then caught the man by the collar and he was taken away.
Just before the incident Junior Firpo, Leeds’ left back, was shown a red card. It is not clear whether the referee’s decision contributed to the man’s decision to take the field. At least he reached out to Howe, snapped at him, then shoved the trainer. The England manager clearly didn’t know what hit him and was relieved to see that the perpetrator was quickly apprehended. The incident happened in stoppage time, after which no more goals were scored in the six minutes that followed.
Leeds pitch invader grabs Eddie Howe ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/SfBLj8viZy
— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) May 13, 2023
That was good news for the Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag. Due to the loss of points, Newcastle has only three points more than United, which is fourth and still has a game in hand. Liverpool are fifth and are five points behind the Magpies and two points over the rival from Manchester. Jürgen Klopp’s formation will also be in action this weekend.
Leeds had a dream start at Elland Road, as Luke Ayling made it 1-0 after six minutes. After half an hour of play, the home team spoiled an excellent opportunity at 2-0 when Patrick Bamford missed a penalty kick, which was punished by Newcastle, who used a penalty kick on the other side of the field through Callum Wilson: 1-1. The same Wilson was allowed to start again from eleven meters after the break and he scored again (1-2), but eventually Rasmus Kristensen made it 2-2.