David Derbyshire was given 12-week prison sentence last month for assault during the Premier League fixture between Leeds and Newcastle back in May this year. Leeds have subsequently been fined £40,000 by an Independent Regulatory Commission, £20,000 of which is to be paid if the club contravene regulation E21 (or equivalent) which relates to spectator misconduct at football matches, before the end of the 2024/25 season.
“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,” an FA statement read on Monday.
According to the written reasons, the Football Association argued for a stronger punishment but the Commission found Leeds’ culpability for the incident to be ‘low’ in addition to mitigating factors. Leeds admitted the charge at the first opportunity, cooperated with the FA and expressed remorse at the incident whilst also issuing an apology.
The Commission state Leeds’ ‘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.’
Elland Road’s CCTV system was unable to identify from where Derbyshire gained access to the away dugout’s technical area, which contributed to the punishment handed down to Leeds.
The FA said: “The club are unable to say where [the spectator] entered the field of play from and, as such, are unable to identify the area of vulnerability. The ease with which [the spectator] was able to access the field of play suggests that there remains a significant risk of future incursions from the West Stand.
The CCTV system is clearly inadequate for a club playing in the Premier League with a ground capacity of 37,000. It appears from the club’s response that there [are] only two cameras covering the West Stand and…failed to cover the most vulnerable section namely the technical area where coaching staff and match officials were based. The gaps in the CCTV coverage meant that the control room were unable to spot [the Spectator] entering the field of play rending an important safety net in the event of a stewarding failure entirely ineffective.”
In addition, The FA suggested to the Commission this particular incident was a ‘category 3 (‘gross negligence’) or category 4 (‘negligence simpliciter’) case.’
Leeds argued to the Commission that they wish to upgrade the existing CCTV system, but due to financial reasons linked to relegation from the top flight, have been unable to do so. The club have also been issued a warning as to its future conduct.
Leeds swiftly issued a lifetime ban to Derbyshire following his apprehension by West Yorkshire Police. A statement issued by the club read: “Leeds United 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 also been issued.”
If the club wish to do so, Leeds hold the right to appeal the Commission’s decision, per Disciplinary Regulations.
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