Ao Tanaka could still have been sent off despite Daniel Farke warning in Leeds loss vs Aston Villa
Ao Tanaka was left raging with Daniel Farke after his treatment in Leeds United’s defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Leeds lost 2-1 against Aston Villa at Elland Road on 23 November, with Morgan Rogers’ double cancelling out Lukas Nmecha’s controversial opener.
Tanaka started on the bench, but was brought on early after Anton Stach’s injury, only to be taken off again by Farke in the second half.
Farke admitted the decision was because he was warned of a red card being close for the Japanese international, but fans didn’t buy it.
Ao Tanaka could still have been given red card
Isaac Johnson relayed quotes from Farke, in which the fourth official warned him that the referee wanted to send Tanaka off, but an earlier advantage prevented that.
Keith Hackett has now suggested that the Leeds maestro could still have been given his marching orders, simply once the move had come to an end.
“Firstly, if a player on a yellow card commits a second yellow card offence and the referee applies advantage, that is acceptable,” the ex-PGMOL chief exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“However, once the move finishes, the referee then goes back and issues the second yellow, followed by a red.”
What prevented Ao Tanaka from being sent off?
With the fourth official warning Farke, Leeds swiftly replaced Tanaka in a late push to rescue a point.
Hackett went on to admit that the warning has effectively prevented a red card from being issued, regardless of who the decision annoys.
“I can believe the scenario of this case, where the fourth official has a word in the ear of the manager if the second foul challenge was close to a second yellow card sanction,” he ended.
“The action prevents a red being applied.“
Leeds now face the nightmare fixture run of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, with Farke facing the sack now more than ever at Elland Road.
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