Former referee agrees with red card decision v Leeds United

Former Premier League and EFL referee Chris Foy supports Darren England's decision to send off Anfernee Dijksteel during Leeds United against Middlesbrough last weekend.

Already on a yellow card, Dijksteel's lunging tackle on Dan James earned him his early marching orders as the Whites went on to claim a 3-2 victory at Elland Road.

Having reviewed the footage, Foy believes that the defender gave England no other choice but to send him off.

"I don't think there will be too many complaints that the Middlesbrough player received a second caution for this challenge," he said on Sky Sports' Behind the Whistle on Wednesday (6 December).

"When on a booking already, any challenge a player commits to and doesn't win the ball will always leave the referee with a decision to make.

"However, on this occasion, the Middlesbrough player has lunged into the tackle, which is clearly reckless, and was correctly shown a second caution."

A stupid decision

Leeds' near-perfect home record could have been ruined, if not for the thoughtless and reckless challenge by Dijksteel.

Winning 3-2 at the time of the incident, all five goals had been scored in an extremely eventful first half, with the hope of earning a point on the road for Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough side still alive. All hope was lost, however, when the red mist descended.

Whether it was just a clumsy challenge or not, it was "reckless" and it was dangerous. It warranted a red card - James could have been badly hurt. However, the Welshman played on until the 82nd minute when he was replaced by Wilfried Gnonto.

TV shows, such as Behind the Whistle, are a step in the right direction to alter the thinking towards referees in this country. While there is no VAR confusion below the Premier League, there will still be decisions that need to be explained.

Some fans will be outraged that the Boro defender was sent for an early bath; red cards can be subjective. But if a referee can explain why a decision was made, there will be less upset. Simple, right?

In other Leeds United news, Farke has revealed what he told the Leeds players in his first team meeting at Elland Road.