Eddie Howe shoved by Leeds United fan on the touchline

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was shoved by an opposition fan towards the end of his team’s game against Leeds United on Saturday.

The individual made his way into the Newcastle technical area on the side of the pitch to confront Howe. The fan shouted angrily in Howe’s face before pushing him in the chest.

Once they had noticed the unwanted trespasser, members of Newcastle’s backroom staff sought to protect Howe and stadium security was on hand to escort the supporter from the touchline.

After the game Howe, whose team drew 2-2 against relegation-battling Leeds, said that he had been caught off guard by the incident.

“Yeah, that was a real surprise,” he said. “I’m concentrating on the game and I turn, and that’s the last thing you expect to happen.”

On the pitch, too, the game was certainly eventful. Leeds went ahead earlier thanks to a goal from captain Luke Ayling. The home side then had a golden opportunity to double their lead from the penalty spot but Patrick Bamford’s effort was saved.

Within minutes Champions League-chasing Newcastle had turned the game on its head when Callum Wilson cooled converted a penalty awarded for a clumsy challenge on Alexander Isak. Wilson put his side into the league with another penalty in the second half but Rasmus Kristensen levelled the game with a deflected effort.

Leeds’ Junior Firpo was dismissed in injury time but Sam Allardyce’s side were able to hang on for the drew and secure their first point under the new boss.