Latest EFL announcement could spell more bad news for Leeds United and Daniel Farke

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United were left reeling at several poor refereeing decisions against Middlesbrough in midweek. But it didn’t matter in the end.

Leeds United beat Middlesbrough 1-0 to seal their return to the top of the Championship table with five games left to play, opening up a two point lead over Sheffield United who’ve dropped down into 3rd after losing at home to Millwall in the week.

But Daniel Farke was left fuming during and after the win at Middlesbrough, despite picking up three points. Ao Tanaka had a goal ruled out for offside although replays showed him to be onside. Patrick Bamford also had a goal ruled out in controversial circumstances.

Farke blasted the refereeing decision against Middlesbrough and has asked the EFL that linesman Darren Williams doesn’t officiate in Leeds United games anymore: he ruled out Tanaka’s goal and has also gotten some big decisions wrong in other Leeds games this season.

Ahead of the Preston North End game at Elland Road on Saturday, the EFL have appointed John Busby as referee.

• READ MORE: Danny Murphy predicts who finishes 1st and 2nd in the Championship out of Leeds, Burnley, and Sheffield United

EFL appoint John Busby as referee for Leeds United vs Preston North End

Farke and indeed Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom will have a close eye on the man in the middle for Saturday’s game, and neither manager may be pleased to know that Busby is the man in charge. Like so many others, he too has a pretty poor history with Leeds.

In fact, Busby has history in the game between Leeds and Preston having had a bit of a nightmare in the reverse fixture at Deepdale back in December. Jon Newsome tore into Busby on BBC Radio Leeds after he ‘bottled’ sending off Preston’s Ben Whiteman for a poor challenge on Jayden Bogle.

And before that, former West Brom manager and also former Leeds United no.2 Carlos Corberan criticised Busby’s refereeing after he failed to give what Corberan thought was a stonewall penalty in a goalless draw between West Brom and Blackburn Rovers.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke and Chris Wilder in complete agreement after Leeds and Sheffield United’s results

John Busby’s record officiating Leeds United vs his record officiating Preston

Busby has overseen 13 Preston North End games in his refereeing career, making the Lilywhites the team that Busby has officiated the fourth-most to date.

And the Lilywhites have a fairly steady record under Busby with six wins and four draws, having never had a player sent off under his watch either.

Leeds United meanwhile have only ever had two games under Busby’s watch. Although Farke’s side are unbeaten under Busby with one win and one draw, with the draw being the 1-1 draw at Preston earlier in the season.

On Friday night Burnley host Norwich City whilst Sheffield United head to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, with yet more change bound to happen at the top of the table on Saturday.