Newcastle, Leeds drop valuable points

Leeds, May 14

In their current positions in the Premier League both Newcastle and Leeds could have done with maximum points from this game. With Manchester United on equal points with Newcastle and Liverpool just behind them, all three teams are looking for Champions League qualification. Whereas Leeds would have been lifted out of the relegation zone with a win but had to settle for a 2-2 result.

The match was interrupted by an incident shortly before the end when a spectator came on to the ground confronting, abusing and pushing the Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on the chest. This was a serious incident with regard to safety and a shaken Howe said: “No one should have to feel their own personal safety is violated. It is something for us to reflect on. He confronted me, he said something that I can’t repeat.”

Howe added: “I’m okay but moments like that make you think. The safety of the staff and players is paramount. Security is so important.” Howe’s own staff quickly intervened and he added: “I don’t know if I had time to be fearful, to be honest because it was over in a flash. I’m glad someone was there because I wouldn’t have fancied my chances to be honest.”

Leeds club issued a statement: “Leeds can confirm that following an incident at our Premier League match against Newcastle United today, an arrest has been made, and a lifetime ban has been issued.”

In this enthralling match Leeds took the lead after just seven minutes when goalkeeper Nick Pope saved Rodrigo’s header from a cross by Patrick Bamford but pushed into the path of Luke Ayling who lifted the ball into the net. Leeds could have doubled the lead in the 28th minute when Junior Firpo was fouled in the box but the resulting weak penalty kick from Bamford was easily saved by Pope, diving to his right.

Three minutes later, Newcastle were on equal terms when Alexander Isak picked up a pass from Bruno Guimaraes but before he could shoot, Max Wober crashed into him to give away a penalty which was converted by Wilson, low to the goalkeeper’s right.

The second half was intense, both sides realising what was at stake with their positions in the league. Leeds brought on two substitutes while Guimaraes was booked for a foul and later Firpo too, for his tackle to bring down Guimaraes.

Newcastle went into the lead in the 69th minute from yet another penalty after Firpo tried to stop a cross from Joe Willock from reaching Isak and his arm hit the high ball. Wilson again took the spot kick and this time sent it straight down the middle into the net.

However, the lead lasted only ten minutes when Leeds drew level with a shot from Rasmus Kristensen going in off Kieran Trippier’s head. Just before the end, Leeds were down to 10 men as Firpo was sent off for dragging down Anthony Gordon.

Leeds manager, Sam Allardyce said: “We deserved victory and would have done without the silly penalties we gave away. It was our fault we missed a penalty and gave two away. Anybody can do it but it happened to us at the worst possible time.”