Leeds United explanation for Daniel Farke red card as Man City frustration boils over — YEP 28/2/26
By Graham Smyth
The Leeds United boss was shown a red card after the final
whistle on Saturday.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke's full-time red card was down
to his frustration over referee Peter Bankes' time keeping as Man City won 1-0
at Elland Road.
Farke's assistant Edmund Riemer took the post-game press
conference following the manager's straight red card at full-time. Anger at the
officiating boiled over as Farke ran straight onto the pitch to remonstrate
with referee Bankes, who responded instantly with his red card. Farke then had
to be restrained by his captain Ethan Ampadu as he made further complaints.
Leeds were denied a penalty for handball in the late stages
and officials decided not to act on a stamp by Rayan Cherki on Ilia Gruev
earlier in the second half. Six minutes of time were added on but Leeds felt
Bankes blew for full-time too quickly given what had occurred during the
stoppage time.
Riemer explained: "I had a short chat with [Farke], I
think we had six minutes added time and obviously if you're chasing, you're 1-0
down, you see the opposition wasting time. They got booked, you feel like you
can add a few seconds more. I think after just about six minutes we get the
ball for one delivery, you're emotional, this is what the sport is all about,
you're not allowed to get the last ball in. He's gone on the pitch and asked
for what. The explanation is probably going to be he was over emotional how
he's gone on the pitch, I would suggest. But yeah, disappointing that he got
sent off, would have wished for a more sensible action of the referee as well.
Maybe you can give a yellow card. It's an emotional game, and that's it."
Riemer said Leeds conceded the winner at the 'worst possible
time' just seconds before the break, Antoine Semenyo sliding in to finish a
slick move. The Whites had missed golden chances to go ahead through Dominic
Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson and were taught a lesson in clinical
finishing by their visitors.
"You've all seen, really proud of the boys,
unbelievable shift, performance, created our chances and moments," said
Riemer. "Disappointed not to take one of our chances, playing the best
team in the world you need to take them. Restricted them to few chances. This
one moment in the worst moment before half-time, well played by Man City, good
finish. You can't always avoid it. Worst possible moment to go 1-0 down."
Leeds pushed their title-chasing visitors to the end,
creating havoc in the City box in the final minutes and again coming close
through Jaka Bijol's header. Other than Farke's impending suspension, there
could be another hangover from this game as Leeds prepare to host Sunderland on
Tuesday night. Joe Rodon appeared to hurt his hamstring with a recovery run in
the second half.
"I think it's the hammy, we need to assess him,
hopefully it's nothing too serious and he can go on Tuesday again," said
Riemer.
