Newcastle United’s former Premier League rivals punished over Eddie Howe incident

Leeds United have been handed a £40,000 fine after a supporter confronted Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during a Premier League fixture between the two sides in May.

The Magpies took another step closer to securing their place in this season’s Champions League as they scrapped their way to a 2-2 draw against Leeds side in the midst of what would be an unsuccessful battle against relegation into the Championship.

But it was an incident during the second-half that caught the headlines as Whites supporter David Derbyshire evaded stewards before confronting Magpies boss Howe in his technical area. A statement released by the Elland Road club confirmed Derbyshire had been given a lifetime ban and West Yorkshire Police announced he had been charged with assault just over 24 hours after the game had taken place.

Derbyshire was given a 12-week prison sentence last month and Leeds have now received their punishment from an Independent Regulatory Commission.

A Football Association statement released on Monday read: “Leeds United admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behaviour which are improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, insulting or provocative.”

The FA had called for a stronger punishment but the Commission stated ‘planning was detailed and excellent and it is unfortunate that one small area of weakness was exploited by a lone individual intent, for unknown, inexplicable and inexcusable reasons, from getting into the technical area.’