“If we would have used VAR during this season we wouldn’t be in the play-offs – we would have been promoted automatically.”

Referee Josh Smith and his assistants, in Daniel Farke’s opinion, erred when they disallowed a Leeds goal in the 0-0 Championship play-off semi-final first-leg stalemate against Norwich.

Although neither team had many good opportunities, Leeds’ Junior Firpo put the ball in the net around the halfway point.

The Leeds left-back was given an empty net as a result of a mix-up at the back between Canaries goalkeeper Angus Gunn and center-back Shane Duffy.

However, it was chalked off due to a raised flag against Georginio Rutter during the build-up. According to TV replays, it was a close but accurate call.

Farke, the manager of Leeds, stated that they had also been wrong. Farke managed Norwich into the Premier League in 2019 and 2021.

“I’m still pretty annoyed with the offside situation,” he stated.

“I was informed by someone that Sky had displayed a photo they claimed demonstrated the issue. I advise everyone to check out the scouting stream, which has an appropriate line. It wasn’t infractional. Additionally, there is the rule that says to always side with the attacking team when in doubt, however it seems like this rule is no longer in effect.

“Everyone talks about Wembley, the £100 million match, where every choice needs to be perfect at this level.

“I expect myself to be spot on in these games with my decisions and my players as well so, sorry, if you want to be in charge of such a game you have to do the same as well.”

VAR is not used in any previous Championship match, but it will be in place for the Wembley final.

“I have 12 apologising letters at home already during the season with offside goals and penalties not given,” Farke stated.

“If we would have used VAR during this season we wouldn’t be in the play-offs – we would have been promoted automatically.”

David Wagner, the manager of Norwich, was optimistic that his team may still make it to the championship. Wagner led Huddersfield to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2017.

“I’m absolutely fine with the performance and the shift the players put in,” remarked the coach.

“I have no issues with what I’ve seen, and I’m thinking positively now that the draw is over. We will go again on Thursday, and all the cards are still on the table.

“Everybody would have liked to have won the game, but I understand that play-off semi-finals are not won in the first game. We have an idea, we know what to do, and we want to execute it on Thursday night.”

Norwich’s best scorer, Josh Sargent, had to leave near the end due to an ankle injury.

Wagner hoped the USA striker would still be available for the final.

“He is a tough guy and I hope and I think he will be,” he stated.

That also applies to another key forward who has missed time due to injuries this season.

Jonathan Rowe, an England Under-21 winger, had his first start since January but was unable to complete 90 minutes.

“It was critical that he got 60 minutes,” Wagner explained. “He worked hard I’m absolutely fine with what he showed today.”