Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was dissatisfied after his team failed to capitalise on Leicester City’s surprise loss to Millwall.
With the Foxes having slipped up, a win on Tuesday would have put them back at the top of the league, but a 0-0 draw moved them into second place on goal difference behind Ipswich Town, despite the fact that the Portman Road side has a game in hand.
With five games remaining for Leeds, there are still 15 points up for grabs, and Farke will undoubtedly be hoping that his club does not slip any further if he wants to be one of the two teams that will automatically qualify for the Premier League.
Daniel Farke accused the English referee for Leeds‘ draw at Sunderland, implying that the officials were biased against Leeds. At least that was the impression he conveyed at his post-match presser.
“We were pretty unfortunate with some decisions, clear handball in the first half should have been a penalty, clear handball in the second half should have been a penalty,” he told the Wakefield Express (h/t Wakefield Express).
“The extra time felt a little harsh after all the substitutions, time wasting, and debates. I’m not sure if we would have scored, but I know we were really unlucky with several decisions on the pitch.
“In general, I’m not calling for red cards, but come on, act a little earlier with yellow cards or you’ll send the message that you can keep going.
“If there is a rule about how handball should be played, I only want the rules. When you lean into the ball with your elbow and have a clear view as a referee, you must give it.
“The second half was evident; it wasn’t hard to see.
“We’ve received six letters this year saying ‘sorry it was a penalty or red card’, and we’re expecting two more today. Two penalties, and I’m confident we could have used one to win this game.”
It is unclear at this moment whether Farke will face consequences for his statements, and diverting attention away from another dismal performance isn’t the best strategy.
The German should be looking much closer to home, perhaps rounding up a few of his players who may not fully appreciate what’s at stake.
Giving your all at any moment is a requirement for a footballer, let alone when your team is in the midst of a full-throttle promotion chase.
Of course, there is still time for everyone to be pushing in the right way and gaining those extra points that will propel them over the finish line at the cost of either Leicester or Ipswich.
The truth remains that one of the three teams tied at the top of the table will have to navigate the lottery of the play-offs if they want to return to the promised land.
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