FA probe as female steward ‘breaks nose’
BOURNEMOUTH 2 NEWCASTLE 2
Seven newcastle supporters, including one aged 14, were arrested for invading the pitch after Matt Ritchie’s stoppage-time equaliser. Ritchie’s sensational half-volley was the last kick of the match against his former club, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting fans. The FA will investigate the behaviour of newcastle fans after a female steward was reported to have been treated for a suspected broken nose. Dorset Police are reviewing stadium CCTv footage to see whether an assault took place. The incident came 24 hours after the FA, Premier League and eFL released a joint statement warning against pitch invasions following the assault on Aston villa’s Jack Grealish, and promising the ‘strongest possible sanctions’ for future offenders. Scottish winger Ritchie met a lofted cross by DeAndre Yedlin for his left-footed strike, drilling the ball into the roof of the net. He tried to keep a lid on his celebrations, remembering he was facing the club where he made 142 appearances. It cancelled out Bournemouth striker Josh King’s two goals, which looked to have completed a comeback after Salomon Rondon’s free-kick had given newcastle the lead. Manager Rafa Benitez’s future at newcastle is still in doubt. His contract expires at the end of the season and midfielder Isaac Hayden said: ‘There are a few great managers in the Premier League. Rafa Benitez is one of them and no one wants him to go. It is up to the club obviously to get this contract done.’