Lee Hendrie can’t believe his eyes at ‘real bad’ Leeds incident v Middlesbrough
Leeds United enjoyed a productive first half at the Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough, leading through yet another early goal this season as they claimed a massive win.
Form may have dipped in recent matches but the regular habit of the opening goal inside the first three minutes repeated itself, as Dan James notched Daniel Farke’s men in front with a crucial strike – which turned out to be the winner.
It could well have been two for the Whites before the break via Ao Tanaka, if not for a highly controversial call.
Lee Hendrie fires shot at officials after Leeds controversy
Lee Hendrie was quick to slam the officials in the contest on Teesside, as Tanaka was denied what looked to be a legitimate goal for an incorrect offside flag.
With no VAR in the Championship, the decision remained final and Leeds were left in disbelief – it even looked as if two Boro players, Ray van den Berg and Hayden Hackney, were each keeping Tanaka onside.
Hendrie, live on Sky Sports News (8 April, 20:38), called the decision “appalling” and a “real bad call”.
“This is appalling. It should stand, there’s no doubt,” he said.
“It’s clear for everyone to see, on this right-hand side… I think it’s a real bad call. I really do.
“You can see everything that’s in front of him at that near post. Leeds should be winning 2-0.”
Luckily for Leeds, they transpired to get away with it in what comes as the most welcome of victories, especially considering results elsewhere in midweek.
Farke and his side back on track after three points
The Championship can turn on the finest of margins, and Leeds United have gone from third back to the summit in the space of 90 minutes around the country.
It’s incredible and certainly comes as respite for Farke‘s side, who were the only winners in the top three as the tables turn in the second tier.
It appears that the race for automatic promotion will go right to the wire, with Sheffield United and Burnley having both faltered.
| POS | Championship table 2024-25 | PLD | PTS | GD |
| 1 | LEEDS UNITED | 41 | 85 | +52 |
| 2 | Burnley | 41 | 85 | +43 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 41 | 83 | +25 |
Farke will for the first time breathe a sigh of relief, too, wondering if his Whites outfit will get away with their poor run.
Supporters will be anxiously hoping their bad vein of form came at a time with enough fixtures ahead to recover – and it certainly seems that way based on Tuesday’s slender but vital win on the Tees.