Daniel Farke blasts referee for controversial moment involving Ao Tanaka during Leeds United’s win against Swansea

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Leeds United secured a ninth Championship win of the season to go top of the table on Sunday afternoon, but it was far from easy against an impressive Swansea side away from home.

Daniel Farke’s men knew they would be facing a side that would be different from many they have faced this season. A Swansea outfit that look to keep the ball and take the game to the opposition.

Given Leeds are a side chasing promotion, the majority of sides have looked to play a low block against Leeds this season. It is no surprise that while Swansea scored three, their attacking focus left Leeds gaps.

It saw Leeds score four goals for the first time this season as Wilfried Gnonto managed to score a late winner to hand The Whites all three points. But Swansea pushed Leeds right until the final few seconds.

• READ MORE: Liam Cooper and Largie Ramazani praise Leeds United player on Sunday

Daniel Farke questions referee for moment involving Ao Tanaka

Dean Whitestone was the man in the middle. There were a few questionable decisions made throughout, the first being his decision to give a foul for Swansea’s first, blowing for Ao Tanaka’s tackle on Ronald.

Tanaka seemed to make a block, making contact with the ball and even looking the other way as Ronald careered into him, Tanaka unable to get out of the way. The Swansea star threw himself into the air.

Farke says it was not a foul, when speaking to LUTV: “The first goal, we could have defended a little sharper. I think also, it was a bit unlucky because it was never a foul for the free-kick for them.”

Leeds have a poor record under referee Dean Whitestone

Interestingly, Leeds went into the game having won just two of 10 matches refereed by Whitestone in his career. One of those wins came in the form of the 1-0 victory over Leicester at the King Power last term.

But he also took charge of the 1-0 loss at Sunderland, and the 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday last season. Sunday’s win over Swansea was Whitestone’s first in charge involving Leeds during 2024-24.

Leeds though, did not stop Whitestone’s poor decision to award Swansea a free-kick in the first half – or Swansea scoring three times – to secure all three points. Top of the table, ahead of Luton on Wednesday.