Neil Warnock rages as Sky Sports show him Leeds footage v Middlesbrough – ‘Disgrace’
Neil Warnock was left baffled as Leeds were involved in controversy at Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
The Whites were looking to regain their place in the automatic promotion places on 8 April after a dreadful recent run.
The Whites had won just one of their last six Championship matches in a disastrous blow to Daniel Farke’s hopes of getting them back to the Premier League.
However, an early Dan James strike put them in an ideal position to get their promotion push back on track and it could have been even better.
Warnock furious after Leeds United refereeing error
Ao Tanaka thought that he had doubled the Whites’ lead when he tapped home from close range but the linesman had raised his flag.
However, replays showed that the Japan international was clearly onside when he put the ball in the net and the goal should have stood, which left Warnock furious after he had been shown the incident and rightfully so.
Speaking on Sky Sports (8 April, 20:52 pm), Warnock said: “This is a definite goal, the linesman is in a great position, it should be like bread and butter to him.
“If he can’t see that Darren Williams, he will go home tonight, telling his mates, I’ve done them a good job haven’t I, because that is a disgrace that.”
Leeds thought they had a second goal through Ao Tanaka, only for it to be ruled out for offside ❌ pic.twitter.com/zogwbdkNk1
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 8, 2025
Leeds United promotion back on track
Leeds seemed resigned to a playoff place after their terrible run left them in third place and there were murmurings surrounding Daniel Farke’s future at the club with the Elland Road outfit in dismal form.
However, if results stay as they are, their promotion chances will be revived with a little help from elsewhere as Sheffield United getting beat and Burnley being held to a draw.
| Championship | Played | GD | Points |
| 1. Leeds United | 41 | +52 | 85 |
| 2. Burnley | 41 | +43 | 85 |
| 3. Sheffield United | 41 | +25 | 83 |
The Peacocks need to keep their composure in the final few weeks of the campaign and secure their place in the top-flight next season, especially with a favourable fixture list coming up.
Farke’s side face just one team from the top half in their final five matches, with Bristol City (28 April) being their only opponents that should threaten their charge for the top two and their automatic promotion rivals still having to play each other.
If they can end the season strongly, there is every chance that they can secure their ambitions and play Premier League football for the first time since the 2022-23 season.