Eddie Howe slammed the Chelsea pitch invader who angrily confronted Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash.
The Magpies were on their way to the semi-finals of the competition thanks to a first-half strike by England international Callum Wilson. However, a blunder by Kieran Trippier allowed Mykahilo Mudryk to score a stoppage-time equaliser and take the game to penalties.
Immediately after the Ukrainian's goal, a Chelsea fan stormed his way onto the pitch and ran into Dubravka as he celebrated the goal.
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The home side completed the comeback thanks to successful spot-kicks by Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku and Mudryk, while Trippier and Matt Ritchie missed for Newcastle who crashed out of the cup where they scored previous wins against both Manchester United and Manchester City.
Despite Chelsea's victory, it was the unsavoury incident involving the pitch invader that stole the headlines as sources told ESPN that both Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police have been investigating the incident with no arrest made so far.
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Howe – who himself was pushed by a fan in Newcastle's clash against Leeds last season – called for more protection for those on the pitch after being asked what needs to be done to circumvent incidents like this.
He said: "Definitely on the evidence of that. I always say the safety of players, coaches manager, referees, linesmen [is] the priority at any football match. More has to be done to keep irate supporters away from everybody."
The Englishman was backed by Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino who urged fans to be careful in antics that could cause harm to the players. Always, I think we need to be careful, the fans need to be careful," the Argentine said. "I don't like this type of thing because it can put in danger the players.
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"Of course, I am disappointed. I do not agree with this type of thing that happen in football here at Stamford Bridge and I don't agree if it happens in another stadium in England or around the world. I don't agree with this type of thing because I think it is so dangerous and I hope it doesn't happen again."
Chelsea have booked their place in the semi-finals of the cup alongside Fulham, Middlesbrough and the winner of Liverpool and West Ham on Wednesday (December 20).
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