Leeds United fans will fume at what ex-PL official has said after 1-1 Preston
Ben Whiteman somehow escaped punishment for Preston North End after his challenge on Jayden Bogle in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United – a decision that looks ever more baffling two days on.
Daniel Farke couldn’t believe what he witnessed from the Whites touchline on Saturday [14 December] as his side missed a golden opportunity to lead the Championship after the 1-1 draw at Deepdale.
However, the Leeds faithful will be further raging that Whiteman remained on the pitch after what ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher shared on Sky Sports Ref Watch [16 December].
He said: “I think the only certainty here is that one way or another, the player has got to leave the field.
“I think that’s a red card in itself. The referee felt he didn’t catch him, but I think he does. I think he misreads it. He’s got to be sent off.”
Referee error costs Leeds United three points v Preston North End
Farke was booked for his protests for the decision at Deepdale – which could see PGMOL chief Howard Webb intervene – but his yellow card should be rescinded immediately.
Even the Preston supporters held their breath in Lancashire as referee John Busby debated taking further action after blowing his whistle for the foul.
Paul Heckingbottom removed the midfielder at half-time, which is a clear indication that Preston had massively escaped going down to ten men against the Whites.
Indeed, Leeds needed to be more clinical on the day as Joel Piroe fired a blank again after being selected to lead the line – his position in the starting lineup will be under serious threat after Mateo Joseph helped rescue a point for the visitors off the bench.
The Whites’ away form is becoming a serious cause for concern for Farke, and if it is not addressed, it will ultimately become his downfall in the race for the Championship title this season.
A win at Deepdale would have seen Leeds leapfrog Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United to the top spot, and while the Blades got the job done with a 2-0 win against Plymouth Argyle, they have now opened up a three-point gap to the top.
Farke and the Leeds supporters have every right to be furious with Busby; the fine margins determine titles, and the West Yorkshire outfit will undoubtedly reflect on this decision at the end of the season should Premier League promotion escape them once again.
In other Leeds news, Daniel Farke to take a Joe Rothwell gamble after what’s happened at the Whites.
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