New book reveals truth behind 1974 St James' Park riot

Apr 24 2011 by Dan Warburton, Sunday Sun

THE TRUE story behind the Toon Army’s infamous FA Cup pitch invasion can today be revealed.

Newcastle United fans stormed the field during the Magpies’ 1974 quarter-final clash with Nottingham Forest after they went 3-1 down.

Now, in a new book documenting Tyneside’s murky criminal underworld, author Bernard O’Mahoney reveals the real reason the volatile supporters rushed the St James’ Park pitch.

He claims it was Leonard Conroy, the dad of feared West End villain Paddy, who triggered the riot.

Intent on having the match abandoned, Leonard spearheaded the charge that caused mayhem inside the ground.

In total, 23 people were taken to hospital - two suffering from fractured skulls - and 103 people received treatment at the ground. Around 39 people were arrested.

In images published in the book, Fog on the Tyne, Leonard is pictured being led off the pitch following scuffles with police.

The invasion sparked a fightback from 10-men Newcastle with Toon hero Terry McDermott finding the net twice, before Bobby Moncur won the game in the last minute.

But FA chiefs sparked controversy when they ruled the game would have to be replayed at a neutral venue.

The Magpies triumphed but were eventually beaten 3-0 in the final against Liverpool, with Kevin Keegan scoring a brace.

Bernard said: “Leonard claimed it was the only match he ever went to in his life.

“He told people he would lead the charge on the pitch if Nottingham scored again.