Dan James does not help himself in ‘Careless’ Leeds United controversy v Portsmouth
Rob Jones was at the heart of controversy as Leeds United crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon.
Daniel Farke was caught out at Fratton Park, with Pompey dominating most of the second half to take the lead through Colby Bishop after a hopeful long ball.
Joel Piroe missed two golden chances before that for Leeds, and Dan James was hacked down by Matt Ritchie early on, with penalty calls somehow waved away.
James furious in Leeds United defeat
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Keith Hackett believes that James going down theatrically may not have helped his cause.
The ex-FIFA referee and PGMOL chief did admit that Jones should have pointed to the spot though, as it was a careless challenge through the ball.
Despite the exaggerated fall by the Leeds United player, he was the recipient of a careless challenge that should have resulted in a penalty kick
“Absolutely, the way he goes down impacts on the referees’ reaction.”
Daniel Farke must be held accountable
After being unbeaten for 18 games, it is understandable that limited changes were made.
Ilia Gruev, who has been pedestrian for weeks, came back in to replace Joe Rothwell, but it was quickly made to look like a mistake in a shocking midfield performance.
Pompey dominated through the middle, and it was only the final 25 minutes where things changed in Leeds’ fortune as they pushed forward and missed glorious chances.
| Team | Possession | Shots | Shots on target |
| Leeds United | 43% | 13 | 3 |
| Portsmouth | 57% | 14 | 4 |
After 45 minutes, it was clear that Brenden Aaronson, Gruev and even Ao Tanaka were all nowhere near their best and changes need to be made earlier when that happens.
They weren’t and Portsmouth deservedly took advantage.
As for the penalty incident, it was once again a clear collision that was missed by a so-called Premier League referee in Jones, who should hang his head in shame.
Leeds and Farke may be getting another apology letter from the PGMOL soon, but that should not excuse the disgrace of a performance on the south coast.
It is a quick turnaround before Millwall come to Elland Road on Wednesday, with three points desperately needed.