Eddie Howe responds to being shoved by fan during Leeds United vs Newcastle United

Eddie Howe has responded following a shocking moment at Elland Road that saw him shoved by a fan.

Newcastle United were forced to settle for a draw with Leeds United on Saturday despite coming from behind to lead. Callum Wilson’s two penalties saw the Magpies come back from Luke Ayling’s early goal, while Nick Pope also saved a penalty from Patrick Bamford shortly after Howe’s men went behind at Elland Road.

But Rasmus Kristensen would salvage a point for the relegation-battling home side, with an unfortunate deflection taking the ball past Pope.

Though, while there was plenty of drama on the pitch at Elland Road, there was also an ugly scene on the sideline late in the game. Television cameras caught a fan - presumably of Leeds - approaching Newcastle boss Howe on the sideline after being missed by security. The fan said something aggressively to Howe, who didn’t see the pitch invader until that point. The fan then proceeded to shove the Newcastle boss, who reacted professionally until security finally stepped in to take the offender away.

Assistant Jason Tindall wasn’t so kind, but another member of the coaching staff managed to hold back Tindall. "That was a real surprise," Howe told BT Sport after the game. "I was concentrating on the game. It was the last thing you think could happen."

Howe is lucky the fan didn’t produce a more violent action given he was unaware of his presence until the very last second. Elland Road security will face big questions after somehow allowing the fan to approach the technical area. The area is supposed to be one of the best protected areas in the stadium on matchday, hence Howe’s understandable surprise over the situation.

“I can’t remember whether he pushed me or not, I’ve got no idea,” Howe added. “It was just such a strange thing because you’re concentrating on the game, it’s not something you expect to happen. He confronted me and said something that I can’t repeat and was led away.

“I think that’s what happened but someone might tell me different. I’m OK. Moments like that do make you think - the safety of staff and players is paramount. We need to be mindful, the security is so important.”