Keith Hackett, the former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official, has expressed strong criticism towards the fourth official for imposing a touchline ban on Leeds manager Daniel Farke following his booking in a dramatic match. Farke’s suspension came in the wake of Leeds securing a thrilling last-minute victory over Sunderland, with Pascal Struijk emerging as the hero by netting two goals after coming off the bench to deliver a 2-1 triumph.
Despite Farke’s touchline ban, Leeds continue to showcase their dominance in the Championship, further solidifying their hold on the top position in the league standings. Dan James, who has been a standout performer for Leeds this season, encountered difficulty making an impact against Sunderland, with left-back Dennis Cirkin successfully containing him throughout the match. Similarly, Manor Solomon, who has impressed fans with his performances, struggled to influence the game’s outcome against a resilient Sunderland side.
Nonetheless, Farke’s tactical move to introduce Struijk into the game proved to be pivotal for Leeds, as the Dutch defender provided a formidable aerial presence that ultimately led to the crucial victory. With this win, Leeds managed to leapfrog Sheffield United to claim the coveted top spot in the Championship standings, reflecting their aspirations for a return to the Premier League.
In light of the match, Hackett commended referee Stuart Attwell for his overall performance but found fault with the fourth official’s decision to involve Attwell in penalizing Farke. The encounter had already been shrouded in controversy due to the eleventh-hour substitution of Attwell for Craig Pawson, the latter’s potential bias towards Sheffield United prompting concerns regarding a conflict of interest. As Leeds’ unbeaten streak continues and they edge closer to promotion, the scrutiny surrounding the officiating of matches only further intensifies the drama and narratives surrounding the Championship season.
