13 May 2023 , 14:29
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted his "surprise" at being shoved by a fan during the Magpies' dramatic draw against Leeds.
The North East side were aiming to seal their place in the Champions League on Saturday afternoon during what was a tempestuous affair. Tempers appeared to boil over for the home support as one fan in particular approached the dug out to share some words with Howe.
The Newcastle tactician turned around expecting a member of his coaching team only to be greeted with an unfamiliar face. Speaking after his side were held, Howe admitted he was taken aback by the incident.
Speaking to BT Sport, he said: "Yeah that was a real surprise, I’m concentrating on the game, I turn and that’s the last thing I expected to happen."
Opening up further on the incident, Howe has urged that security within stadiums potentially needs to be looked at again if similar situations are to be avoided. He added: "I'm not sure if he pushed me.
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"He confronted me, he said something I can't repeat and then he was led away. Moments like that do make you think. Safety is paramount and we need to be mindful."
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The supporter was very quickly ushered away by stewards before anything serious could occur, while members of the Newcastle dugout shouted their thoughts in his direction. Whilst there was ill-feeling off of the pitch, there were also dramatics on it.
The Magpies had initially found themselves 1-0 down after Luke Ayling's opener. Leeds then had to chance to double their lead from the spot only for Patrick Bamford to spurn the opportunity.
Callum Wilson scored twice from the penalty spot only for a deflected effort from Rasmus Kristensen to secure a share of the points. The draw leaves Newcastle in third and four points clear of Liverpool heading into the final three matches of the season.
They will take on Brighton, Leicester and Chelsea before the conclusion of the campaign and will hope to have their place in the Champions League confirmed by then.
Howe has warned his players to not celebrate too early in their quest for a place at Europe's top table. He said: " We can wait a few more days if we achieve it, but obviously it’s the hardest league in the world. It’s the toughest, and we were under no illusions about how difficult today was going to be.
"When we had our noses in front, that’s what makes it a little bit difficult to take, but onto the next match."