Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has slammed referee Chris Kavanagh after he made a costly decision in the stalemate against Liverpool.
Daniel Farke will be pleased to see his side leave Liverpool with a point after the Whites produced a defensive masterclass to keep the home side at bay.
However, there was one sour note on a good night for Leeds as Ethan Ampadu picked up a yellow card in controversial circumstances.
The Leeds captain was booked for a questionable handball, which means he will sit out the next Premier League game against Manchester United through suspension.
Leeds boss Farke criticised several elements of the referee’s performance as he prepares to face his side’s arch-rivals without one of their key players.
Did Daniel Farke get his team selection right for the trip to Anfield? 🤔
Leeds were solid in defence, but rarely threatened in the 0-0 draw
Daniel Farke questions booking for Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu
Ampadu received his booking in the 61st minute, as he stooped to control the ball, which appeared to strike him above the sleeve line on his arm.
Having accumulated four bookings before the trip to Anfield, the referee’s decision will prove costly for Leeds, as Ampadu will now miss the Man Utd game through suspension.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Farke criticised the referee, stating: “Six minutes of added time, I didn’t see where that was coming from.
“Then the game was over, and not many free kicks were given to us. Some yellow cards, I am asking why I am missing key player Ethan Ampadu in the next game.”
However, he was full of praise for his players at full-time, as he added: “The atmosphere in the dressing room at the minute is second to none. We were rock solid as a team and stuck together. A lot of praise goes to my team and the lads.”
Daniel Farke deserves credit for another Leeds United masterstroke
Eyebrows were raised when Farke’s line-up for the trip to Anfield was announced, as the Leeds boss made four changes to the side that drew against Sunderland.
With Brenden Aaronson asked to lead the line alongside Lukas Nmecha, Leeds’ attack was understandably less fluent, with Ilia Gruev also drafted in to bolster the midfield.
Agree or disagree – Leeds will be disappointed not to have nicked a win at Anfield
Watch the highlights and let us know what you think
However, Farke was rewarded as his Leeds side avoided defeat for the sixth consecutive game and his defence stood firm in the face of Liverpool’s onslaught in the second half.
It could have been a perfect night for Leeds had Calvert-Lewin not strayed offside as he put the ball into the net in the second half. However, Farke deserves immense credit as he set his side up to perfection to nullify the defending Premier League champions.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
