Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has offered a defence of supporters who booed during a Ramadan fast break in their match against Manchester City, suggesting confusion over what was happening on the pitch.
The German believes fans mistakenly thought Pep Guardiola was using the pause to deliver tactical instructions to his players rather than allowing Muslim players to break their fast.
“I’m not sure that everyone was aware, we had the topic of Pep bringing players in to give a team talk, I think supporters thought it was this,” Farke said.
He added: “I don’t think booing was for this. If it was from some people about this, then that’s not acceptable.”
The criticism came after City secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Elland Road, with Antoine Semenyo netting the decisive goal during first-half stoppage time.
Guardiola’s side kept up their pursuit of title rivals Arsenal with the win, whilst Farke’s team remain in a relatively comfortable position despite the setback.
Leeds sit six points clear of the relegation zone following what was only their third loss in fifteen Premier League fixtures.
Leeds United supporters inside Elland Road were left furious on Saturday night as play was halted in order for Muslim players to break their fasts during Ramadan | GETTY
The anti-discrimination organisation Kick it Out described the booing incident as “massively disappointing,” while Guardiola himself condemned the behaviour during his post-match press conference.
Farke acknowledged that if the jeering was indeed directed at the religious observance, lessons must be learned.
The Leeds manager’s frustrations boiled over at the final whistle when he marched onto the pitch to challenge referee Peter Bankes over the lack of additional time.
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It marked the first red card of Farke’s sixteen-year managerial career, though he insists the dismissal was unjustified.
“I jogged over. Not one bad word. No swear words or bad language,” Farke explained.
“I just wanted to ask him why he didn’t add any time on. He didn’t speak to me and just pulled out the red card.”
The 48-year-old maintains the card was brandished before he had uttered a single word to the official, leaving him feeling publicly humiliated.
Farke expressed his belief that the decision should be overturned, drawing parallels with how player dismissals are handled when errors occur.
“When there has been a clear and obvious mistake, and for me this was a clear and obvious mistake, it should be overturned,” he stated.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke was sent off against Manchester City on Saturday night
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The manager revealed that even the assistant referees appeared taken aback by the severity of Bankes’s response.
“To pull out a red card and embarrass me in front of the whole world, I wasn’t happy,” he stated.
“Even the assistants were shocked the red card was shown. This is not how we should work with each other.”
Farke is hopeful of taking his place in the dugout for Tuesday evening’s fixture against Sunderland while awaiting the official report. It is understood he may accept a potential one-match suspension rather than pursue a formal appeal.
