An emotional Farke was dismissed moments after the final whistle at Elland Road, having stormed towards referee Peter Bankes in protest at what he felt was a poor officiating display, as his team narrowly lost to Pep Guardiola’s title contenders.
The 49-year-old is now facing a one-match touchline ban, which would have applied to the Whites’ crucial home fixture against Sunderland tomorrow evening. However, with Farke and Leeds planning to appeal the decision and the case unlikely to be resolved beforehand, he is expected to take charge of the clash against the Black Cats. This means that if the appeal is unsuccessful, he could still be forced to watch from the stands when Norwich visit this Sunday in the FA Cup.
In a written statement, the Premier League confirmed that ‘Daniel Farke was shown a red card for entering the pitch and confronting the referee after the final whistle.’
However, the German claims the card was shown before he had even spoken to the officials, and he was seen on camera questioning the reasoning behind his dismissal before being pulled away by goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
With Farke unable to carry out his post-match duties, his assistant Eddie Riemer, who also served alongside him during his time at Norwich City, spoke to the media about the incident.
“I just had a short chat with him (Farke),” Riemer told BBC Match of the Day.
“I think it was six minutes of added time, I think they’ve been time-wasting all the time and you are pushing for the goal.
“There were incidents, like the goalkeeper keeping the ball, and on goal-kicks they were wasting time. To then give this after the long throw, one long ball, and you blow the whistle. He was emotional in terms of going onto the pitch and asking for what.
“Maybe he did it in too aggressive a manner, I would think. I am disappointed because he’s never a manager who’s over-aggressive or overreacting. I think it’s a very harsh decision.”
Farke discussed the matter with club officials over the weekend and is confident that footage from Bankes’ on-field camera will support his version of events. Leeds are set to file a formal appeal with the FA, with the club optimistic that the video evidence will show Farke acted appropriately, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to the media on Monday afternoon, Farke reiterated once again the red card was unjust.
“It’s actually the first time that I’m accused to run too quickly on the pitch,” joked the Leeds boss. “Perhaps I should take it as a compliment.
“All jokes aside, one of my principles working in football is always to respect each other. Of course there are sometimes emotions in the game and also disagreement perhaps about a few situations but one of my principles is always like to show class and to control the emotions.
“In nearly two decades as a manager I never received a red card.
“During all these two decades I’ve missed one game (Sheffield United away last season) I was not allowed to attend (to be on the bench).
“Perhaps Peter (Bankes) wanted to be the first one who gives me a red card. I think he could have even given me a yellow card. In this scenario, I think it shouldn’t be a red card.”
He went on to add: “I think if there’s a clear and obvious mistake, I would say that then a red card is ruled out but it’s not up to me to decide this.
“I learned my lesson. I will never ever jog again on the pitch although I don’t think you could be shown a red card for jogging anyhow.
“I have to admit, I’m not light like a butterfly. I don’t look unbelievably cute and sweet when I jog.
“But I don’t think a red card should be shown.”
Daniel Farke has faced Norwich six times as Leeds United boss (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
Since being appointed Leeds United manager in July 2023, Farke is unbeaten in his six encounters with the Canaries, winning four and drawing two. It was an emotional first return to Carrow Road for the two-time Championship title-winning boss, who spoke of his affection for the club.
“So many memories,” he said, speaking in October 2023.
“This club will always have a special place in my heart. I was there for four and a half years and those memories will live with me forever.
“I am not thinking too much about my memories. Maybe in 30 years with a glass of wine on the sofa I can talk about this.”
“It was a difficult situation. When I came in, we were mid-table, the club was under unbelievable financial pressure, there was no real identity for what the club stood for, the group of players, a good group, but a bit too expensive and a bit too old. We needed to renew everything.
“When I left we had two promotions, two Premier League seasons under our belt, and the club had no financial pressure in this moment. Many young, exciting players under long contracts and a great infrastructure.”
Around 3,000 travelling supporters are expected in Yorkshire as the two sides meet for the first time in the FA Cup since the 1976/77 season, when Leeds defeated Norwich 5-2 at Elland Road.