Leeds boss Daniel Farke slams referee as he calls for red card after Man City loss to be overturned
Leeds manager Daniel Farke believes his red card, issued at the conclusion of Saturday’s Premier League defeat to Manchester City, should be overturned, although he has yet to decide whether the club will launch a formal appeal.
Farke immediately confronted referee Peter Bankes on the Elland Road pitch after the final whistle, expressing his frustration over several decisions during the narrow 1-0 loss, particularly the perceived lack of sufficient added time.
The match saw Antoine Semenyo score the only goal in first-half stoppage time, keeping City in the title race while Leeds remained six points clear of the relegation zone despite suffering only their third defeat in 15 league games.
In what marked the first sending-off of his 16-year managerial career, Farke maintains he did not use any abusive or threatening language towards Bankes or his officials. He claims the red card was brandished before he had even spoken.
“I was told the Premier League, or the referees, will get in touch when they have the full report of the incident. It should be there pretty soon, then I have the chance to respond,” Farke stated.
He added: “The report will say what the red card was for. I’m not sure what the processes are and when we can appeal it. I’m not sure. I can just give you my gut feeling this should not be a red card.
“When there has been a clear and obvious mistake, and for me this was a clear and obvious mistake, it should be overturned. This is what I’ve experienced when players have a red card by mistake, it can be overturned, and I expect the same.”
While Farke and Leeds await the referee’s official report to decide on an appeal, it is understood that the German coach might opt to accept a potential one-match ban rather than pursue the appeal process.
Farke, who hopes to be in the dugout for Tuesday night’s home fixture against Sunderland, reiterated his version of events: “I jogged over. Not one bad word. No swear words or bad language. I just wanted to ask him why he didn’t add any time on.
“He didn’t speak to me and just pulled out the red card. To pull out a red card and embarrass me in front of the whole world, I wasn’t happy.
“Even the assistants were shocked the red card was shown. This is not how we should work with each other.”
Separately, Leeds supporters faced criticism after a break in play for Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan was met with prolonged booing from sections of the stands.
Farke addressed the incident, suggesting a potential misunderstanding: “If it was disrespectful because of the break, then yes we have to say we have to learn from it.
“I’m not sure that everyone was aware – we had the topic of Pep (Guardiola) bringing players in to give a team talk – I think supporters thought it was this.
“I don’t think booing was for this (Ramadan). If it was from some people about this, then that’s not acceptable.”
