08 September 2023 , 16:03
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A Leeds supporter has been jailed for assaulting Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on the touchline.
David Derbyshire ran onto the Elland Road pitch to confront Howe during the closing stages of Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Newcastle on May 13. The 35-year-old climbed out of the stands and walked over to Howe, tapping him on the shoulder, shouting in his face and pushing him before security intervened.
He was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court to three months in jail after he admitted entering the playing area without excuse and assaulting Howe. He has also been banned from attending all matches for at least six years.
In mitigation, Derbyshire's barrister said his client had lost his job and his partner since his arrest and had health issues. But District Judge Tim Capstick handed out a custodial sentence, telling him: "You attended Elland Road football match as a fan. You had plainly had a significant amount of alcohol before you went to the ground and it is clear that alcohol has been a long-term problem for you.
"You chose to leave the stand and make your way along the players' area and essentially assault the Newcastle football manager, Mr Howe. In my judgement this case falls outside the guidelines and has a number of aggravating features."
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He added: "Your behaviour had a risk of causing further violence or crowd trouble at the ground, it being the last match of the season and all that that entailed.
"Worse still, that match was televised so your behaviour was seen on national TV and seen by millions of people. I am satisfied that these offences are serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence. The message needs to go out that people who behave as you do need to understand they can expect a custodial sentence."
David Derbyshire has been sentenced to three months in prison (Anna Gowthorpe/REX/Shutterstock)The incident happened in the 93rd minute of the match after Leeds defender Junior Firpo had been sent off. Tensions were heightened by Leeds’ battle against relegation from the Premier League.
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Howe said: "That was a real surprise. I was concentrating on the game. It was the last thing you think could happen. I can't repeat what he said, but it makes you think 'what if?'
"It was personal to me. I can't remember if he pushed me or not; it was such a strange thing to happen. Moments like that make you think. We need to be mindful of security.
"Nobody should have to feel their personal safety is violated when trying to entertain the country. I didn't have time to be fearful, it was over in a flash. But it made me think about things after."