Daniel Farke makes VAR admission after Leeds United controversy v Norwich
Daniel Farke has said that Leeds United would have achieved automatic promotion if the Championship had access to VAR after a goal against Norwich was ruled out for offside.
Speaking post-match after a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their play-off semi-final, Farke claimed that Junior Firpo’s first-half strike, disallowed due to Georginio Rutter being offside in the build-up, should have stood.
The Leeds boss added that if VAR was used in the Championship, as many as 12 incorrect decisions would have gone their way – resulting in enough points to see the Whites promoted to the Premier League already.
In quotes reported by the East Anglian Daily Times, Farke said: “I have 12 apologising letters at home already during the season with offside goals and penalties not given.
“If we would’ve used VAR during this season, we wouldn’t be in the play-offs. We would’ve been promoted automatically.”
He addressed calls saying the decision was correct, too: “Someone told me that Sky showed a picture they said was proof it was offside. Have a look on the scouting feed, where you have a proper line – it was not offside.”
Would Leeds United already be promoted with VAR?
Leeds United saw two big 50-50 calls go against them in the first half alone against Norwich, with Wilfried Gnonto denied a penalty in the early stages and that Firpo goal being ruled out for Rutter’s alleged offside.
Given the almost universally negative perspective of VAR from clubs up and down the country, Farke’s comments are eyebrow-raising, particularly given that the general consensus leans more towards the abolition of the Stockley Park technology.
You can’t exactly blame Farke though, given some of the calls Leeds have seen go against them this season.
The most recent came on 9 April against Sunderland, whose captain Luke O’Nien appeared to blatantly handle the ball in the box only for no penalty to be given.
Had Leeds won and scored that late penalty, they’d likely have gone on to win the game, collecting an extra two points that would have taken the Peacocks above Leicester at the top and two clear of Ipswich in third.
Regardless, Leeds are in the play-offs thanks to a late-season collapse that has occurred with no help from the officials, and with VAR set to be used at Wembley in the final, Farke must ensure his side defeat Norwich if they’re to get there and fulfil his wish.
In other Leeds United news, a teenage sensation is now set to snub Manchester United in order to move to Elland Road.
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