Rowett set to be hit with FA charge over Oxford v Leeds United comments – Exclusive
Gary Rowett is set to receive punishment for his comments following Oxford United’s game against Leeds United.
Leeds picked up a 1-0 win on Friday (18 April) against the U’s, with Manor Solomon’s 33rd-minute goal being the difference maker on the day.
However, Rowett was left feeling aggrieved over decisions that went against his team throughout the game at the Kassam Stadium.
The Oxford boss went on to insinuate that his side didn’t get any decisions due to being a smaller club than Leeds during his post-match press conference.
Rowett said: “We’ve had it all season. We’ve had no penalties all season. You don’t quite get the rub of the green if you’re the smaller team, occasionally.”
Rowett set to be punished for his comments
Rowett may simply have been speaking his mind in the moment to showcase his passion for Oxford, but that’s something that looks likely to lead to him being punished.
| Match Stats | Oxford | Leeds |
| Shots | 9 | 11 |
| Possession | 33% | 67% |
| Passes | 290 | 597 |
| Fouls | 16 | 6 |
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively told MOT Leeds News that the FA will have something to say about the remarks.
“These comments aimed at the match official are clearly questioning the integrity of the Referee Dean Whitestone,” Hackett said.
“It serves no purpose for the manager, having had plenty of time to cool down before making this type of statement.
“Thirty minutes after the end of the game, he can be invited into the referee’s dressing room to discuss his concerns.
“He can communicate with the PGMOL and express his concerns should he wish. The FA, if aware of these remarks, will ask the manager for his observations.
“Once his response is made, I expect the FA to charge him. Watch this space.”
Leeds United move one step closer to Premier League
While Rowett and Oxford’s supporters might have been in uproar about decisions made on the day, it was a perfect result as far as Leeds were concerned.
It helped take them one step closer to making a Premier League return, with the Whites having their destiny in their own hands with just three games to go.
The Yorkshire giants are currently top of the league with 91 points, but only goal difference separates themselves and Burnley at the moment, which places plenty of pressure on each game.
Leeds do have a five-point gap over Sheffield United, though, which puts them in an extremely strong position regarding automatic promotion.