Leeds United have been charged by the Football Association (FA) for misconduct, after a supporter confronted Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe in the technical area during a 2-2 draw at Elland Road in May.
Then Whites boss Sam Allardyce will have had his confidence slightly boosted by what he saw from his side on the pitch against the Magpies, who put in a battling display against a strong Newcastle team.
Rather than being focussed on the impressive performance of the Leeds players, most of the headlines were centred on an off-field incident in the game’s 93rd minute: when a fan managed to get pitch side and approach Howe before being quickly pulled away by security.
The invader was later charged with assault and entering the field of play, as well as being issued a lifetime ban by the West Yorkshire club as a response to the event.
Now, the FA have also passed judgment on the incident, charging Leeds with misconduct in failing to control the crowd during the fixture.
“Leeds United FC has been charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control that occurred during its Premier League game against Newcastle United FC on Saturday 13 May 2023,” the FA statement read.
“It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters – and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers – conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behave in an improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, insulting or provocative way.”
Leeds have until Wednesday 14th June to respond to the charge.
