After attacking a female steward during a Leeds United game, a man was given a three-year ban.
A three-year football ban has been imposed on a man who assaulted a female steward at a Leeds United football match.
At a hearing held at Leeds Crown Court on May 29, Carl O’Brien, 51, was made subject to the order and ordered to perform unpaid work in addition to receiving a fine and a suspended jail sentence.
On April 4, 2023, during Leeds United vs. Nottingham Forrest’s evening game at Elland Road, there was an incident.
After an incident in the south stand where a man later identified as O’Brien put his hand around the throat of a female steward and squeezed her while other spectators were leaving the venue, police were called.The incident left the victim with a few minor injuries.
O’Brien, of Lea Way, York, was quickly taken into custody after she was able to identify him to ground-level officers.
Later, on April 9, he appeared before Leeds Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with the crime of intentional strangulation.
He was handed a 20-month suspended prison sentence, mandated to perform 120 hours of unpaid labor, and ordered to pay a £187 fine during his sentencing hearing.
Chief Superintendent Russell Hughes made the following statement following the sentencing: “Violence of any kind against match stewards is absolutely not tolerated, and as a result of his actions, O’Brien has now been banned from attending any football fixture.”When his victim was able to identify him, the officers on the ground quickly arrested him after he had caused her to go through a traumatic and terrifying experience.
The West Yorkshire Police will always take these kinds of incidents very seriously.
In addition to taking strong action against those guilty, including requesting football banning orders against them, we work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to thoroughly investigate any offenses committed.
“There is no place for people who behave in this way at football grounds in West Yorkshire or anywhere else in the nation.”
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Nine days after losing to Southampton in the play-off final, Leeds acknowledged that some players would need to leave in order to maintain their compliance with PSR.
In the days following the championship game, players like Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, Willy Gnonto, and Crysencio Summerville were mentioned as potential departures, but Gruev wasn’t one you would have predicted to leave.
Nevertheless, it has been stated that Borussia Dortmund, the Champions League winners, are among the teams eager to sign him this summer and were present at Wembley.
Leeds is reportedly open to offers of a “certain amount,” and considering his age and the length of his contract—they may be able to get more than £10 million—after spending almost £5 million to sign him just last summer.
Leeds would undoubtedly need to find a replacement if he were to depart, and these three are worth considering.
In order to find a suitable substitute for Gruev, Leeds may consider raiding another Championship team; Pierre Ewkah of Sunderland seems like a potential upgrade.
Despite being only 22 years old, Ekwah has made an impression in the two Championship seasons since joining the Black Cats from West Ham United.
He would provide more of a goal threat than Gruev because he scored five goals the previous season, and unlike the Bulgarian, he could actually play alongside Ethan Ampadu.
Additionally, Ewkah is far more forward-thinking when it comes to his demise. Ewkah averages 6.45 progressive passes per 90, compared to Gruev’s 4.36, according to FBRef.
He also averages more shots per 90 (1.82 vs 0.3), though isn’t quite as prolific defensively, with Gruev completing more interceptions and tackles in a match. However, with Ampadu alongside him, that shouldn’t matter too much. Ewkah would be a great option.
Kenny McLean – Norwich City
Leeds needs to add some experience to their squad because players like Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, and Liam Cooper are leaving this summer.
Having made over 500 appearances at various levels throughout his career, McLean would definitely fit that description and is significantly older than both Gruev and the previously mentioned Ekwah.
Farke is well-versed in the 32-year-old from their time together at Norwich City; Leeds even had two bids for him turned down last summer.
In all but two of Norwich’s league games last season, McLean played the full 90 minutes, demonstrating his continued excellent health despite his advanced age.
In addition, he leads the Canaries as their club captain. If he were to join, he would replace his Scotland international teammate Cooper.
Like Gruev, he is also left-footed and so would very much be a like-for-like replacement in the middle of the park.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – Arsenal
Although it may seem like a bold and unconventional choice, Leeds could make a significant impact if they could force Albert Sambi Lokonga to the Championship.
Given that Lokonga has already declared his intention to leave Arsenal this summer, it will be interesting to see what kind of club he ends up at.
He played a total of 17 games for the Luton Town team that was demoted from the Premier League the previous season.
Although the 24-year-old has struggled since joining Arsenal three years ago, he is still a young player with the ability to play as a holding or box-to-box midfielder.
He is a dribbler by nature, attempting 1.52 take-ons out of every 90 possessions, but in a subpar Luton team, he also averaged 4.97 more progressive passes per game than Gruev.
Given that Mikel Arteta has no intention of using Lokonga in the future, it will be interesting to see what kind of fee he is available for this summer.