WE MUST ACT ON THESE INVASIONS TO AVERT A POTENTIAL TRAGEDY

Howe’s warning as he faces crossing the pitch after Toon face Burnley at an emotion-charged Turf Moor tomorrow

EDDIE HOWE has warned of “potential tragedy” if fans are allowed to invade pitches after games.

The Newcastle boss and his players face a high-stakes end-of-season clash at his former club Burnley tomorrow that will determine the Lancashire team’s Premier League status.

At Turf Moor there is no easy escape route for players and coaches because the tunnel is on the opposite corner of the pitch from the dug-out occupied by Howe.

After disgraceful scenes at Nottingham Forest with Billy Sharp assaulted by a fan, Patrick Vieira kicking out at a supporter who taunted him during a Goodison Park pitch invasion and Swindon players fighting yobs who attacked them after Thursday’s League Two play-off defeat to Port

Vale, Howe believes immediate action is needed.

“It’s something we have to act quickly on to avert a potential tragedy,” he said.

“I’m concerned for the safety of everyone connected with both teams. Safety of players, referees, managers, players is paramount and we have to find a way to guarantee that safety.

“The scenes at Nottingham Forest were shocking to see, and Everton as well. I think we are going into dangerous territory where we are going into games where something could happen that has terrible consequences.

“The authorities must act quickly to make sure we make the grounds as safe as we can.”

Howe knows the layout of Turf Moor well following a stint as manager there (above) and added: “The logistics of the stadium unfortunately mean you don’t have a quick exit from my perspective as the manager and the coaching staff.

“I hope things are put in place so we can guarantee the safety of not just me but my players.

“Really the focus should be on our focus and making sure we give our best.”

Howe said the Vieira incident was “hugely concerning”.

He added: “We have to act now to avert a potential disaster. I thought it was a concerning moment for everyone connected to football. You’ve a manager surrounded by supporters of another team, a very dangerous moment potentially.

“I think we have to act now to avert a potential disaster because no one would want to see that. The safety of everyone should be the first priority when going to a football match.”

Former England boss Roy Hodgson, who retires from club football tomorrow, admitted the increasing violence in grounds would put him off the game completely if he were a casual fan.

The Watford manager said: “It brings the game down. I often think when these things happen that if I wasn’t at all interested in football whether I would want anything to do with it.

“Particularly with Billy Sharp - that is unbelievable.

“But if people are allowed to come on the field and get that close to players one cannot be too surprised that it does happen.”

Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick believes it is not just a problem in England.

“It hadn’t happened in the last couple of years in Germany, but it’s also happened in the last weeks and months in Germany.

“There seems to be a trend in Germany that this happens.

“What happened at Goodison Park, coaches or players of the opposition team are being involved.

“As long as the home fans celebrate with their own team and everything is peaceful, it is OK.”