If Dominic Calvert-Lewin had not scored and Leeds United had suffered defeat at Brentford, plenty more criticism will have been thrown at referee John Brooks.
Even with Leeds snatching a point thanks to Calvert-Lewin’s fifth goal of the season, Daniel Farke was still very critical of the man in the middle for his performance on the night, making a few strange decisions.
Is Daniel Farke right to call out the referee after Leeds’ draw against Brentford? 😤
Watch the highlights and judge for yourself
The decision to give Brentford a penalty for a foul from Gabriel Gudmundsson was questionable. Brooks, though, was perhaps saved from making a clear error because Brentford’s Dango Ouattara was offside.
Then, Leeds had claims for a penalty of their own when Nathan Collins hauled down Calvert-Lewin in the box. Mark Clattenburg believes Brooks should have pointed to the spot for Collins’ challenge on Sunday.
Joe Rodon shares what John Brooks told him after full-time
Towards the end of the game, Joe Rodon was clattered into from behind. Amid many bizarre decisions made by Brooks on the day, the man with the whistle decided to play on, to Rodon’s utter bemusement.
Speaking to Radio Leeds, Rodon then confirmed that Brooks had spoken to him about the incident and that the referee not only confirmed it was a foul, but it was a foul made by someone who was offside.
“He came and told me it was a free kick. I think he just wanted to play on, that’s the rule now. But no, he told me at the end that it was a free kick and he was offside. So, yeah, I was a bit confused by that one.”
Answer this: Leeds United will finish in ___th place if Dominic Calvert-Lewin stays fit 📊
Six goals in five for the big man!
Leeds United doesn’t have a good history with John Brooks
Even during Daniel Farke’s reign, Leeds have struggled when Brooks has been in the middle. The last game Brooks had taken charge of involving Leeds was the 1-0 play-off final defeat to Southampton.
The game before that? The 3-1 loss to Southampton, the first of three fixtures against the Saints during Farke’s season as Leeds manager. Just two wins in nine games while Brooks is wearing the referee kit.
However, luckily for Brooks, Calvert-Lewin scored again after a gorgeous cross from Willy Gnonto to save a point and see Leeds remain unbeaten in their last three games. Palace come to Elland Road next.
Then, a weakened Sunderland without a whole host of players who have travelled to AFCON. Leeds boast a real chance of remaining unbeaten before the turn of the year, with Oliver Glasner set to make changes.
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