Three Charged And Date Set

17 July 2011 13:17
Three people have been charged after two pitch invasions during Newcastle's pre-season friendly against Blue Square Bet Premier side Darlington. The Darlington pitch was invaded when Newcastle went 2-0 up on Friday night. A Newcastle man, 21, a Gateshead man, 22, and a 17-year-old from Darlington, have been charged with entering a playing field during a designated football match. The 21-year-old is also charged with disorder and the 22-year-old with a public order offence. They will appear before Darlington magistrates on 26 July. The 17-year-old will appear before Darlington Youth Court on 5 August. Joey Barton was cast in the unfamiliar role of peacemaker as a massive pitch invasion marred Newcastle United’s pre-season friendly at Darlington. Barton, unable to travel with his team-mates to America next week because of his criminal record, was the voice of reason amid ugly scenes in which a steward was allegedly punched by a fan. There were claims that Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias, owner Mike Ashley’s righthand man, was verbally attacked by a group of Geordie fans in a bar at the Darlington Arena before the game. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew had to appeal for calm as the friendly came close to being abandoned by referee Colin Webster.

Source: FOOTYMAD