Leeds United ‘fan’ wrings female steward’s neck after rare Premier League win

A York man has been given a football banning order after assaulting a female steward following Leeds United v Nottingham Forest at Elland Road last year.

The match – in which the Whites would wrap up a crucial 2-1 win over Forest, only to be relegated just a month later – took place on 4 April 2023. Police were called after a man in the South Stand, identified later named Carl O’Brien, 51, of Lea Way, York, assaulted a female administrator. O’Brien put his arm around the steward’s neck and squeezed as the fans left the stadium at the end of the game.

The victim was then left with minor injuries and was able to tackle the man to the ground, leading to his arrest. He was charged with one count of willful strangulation and appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on April 9.

Read more: ‘For someone 5ft 5ins he was a giant of a man’ – Leeds unite in grief for Rob Burrow

At a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on 29 May 2024, O’Brien was given a 20-month suspended prison sentence, ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and fined £187. He was also given a three-year football banning order.

Speaking after sentencing, Chief Inspector Russell Hughes said: “Violence of any kind against match organizers is absolutely not tolerated and as a result of his actions O’Brien has now been banned from attending any football match.

“He subjected his victim to what was an upsetting and frightening experience and was quickly arrested by officers on the ground after she was able to identify him.

Get all the latest and breaking news from Leeds via sign up for our newsletter here.

“West Yorkshire Police will always treat incidents like this very seriously. We are working closely with Leeds United and the visiting clubs to fully investigate any offenses committed and will also take strong action against those responsible, including seeking football banning orders against them.

“People who engage in this kind of behavior have no place on football grounds in West Yorkshire or anywhere else in the country.”