A drunk football fan lashed out at two Newcastle United stewards and grabbed one by the throat after being asked to leave St James’ Park .
Visiting supporter Keith Conway – a Manchester United season-ticket holder – was asked to leave the stadium before half-time of the Premier League clash on January 2 – which Manchester United won 2-0.
The intoxicated 57-year-old reacted violently and spat and elbowed the steward, before grabbing a female steward by the throat.
The woman was forced to knee Conway “in the groin” to break free of his grip, and the Manchester United fan was subsequently arrested by Northumbria Police .
Conway pleaded guilty to two counts of assault at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, and was slapped with a football banning order preventing him from attending matches for three years.
Prosecutor Claire Irving told the court the 57-year-old had been drinking before the match kicked off at 8pm.
She said: “The defendant was drinking and became involved in an argument with a steward who told him to leave the ground.
“As he was being escorted out, his conduct changed, and Conway spat in his face before elbowing him.
“Another steward went to assist and she was grabbed by the throat by the defendant. She kneed him in the groin to get him off.”
Conway was arrested by police officers and made a “full and frank admission to both offences”.