Daniel Farke's Frustration Clear After Referee's Decision vs Liverpool

In a tense Liverpool vs Leeds United Premier League clash at Anfield on New Year's Day, Leeds boss Daniel Farke expressed clear frustration over referee Chris Kavanagh's controversial decisions, particularly a yellow card to captain Ethan Ampadu that rules him out of the upcoming Manchester United match[1][3].

The game ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw, extending Leeds' unbeaten run to six matches and pulling them seven points clear of the relegation zone[3]. Despite the positive result, the Whites were haunted by refereeing calls. Around the 60th minute, Ampadu was booked for an alleged handball, but footage suggests the ball struck his shoulder, not his hand. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett slammed the decision as incorrect, noting: "The footage appears to indicate that the player legally used his shoulder to control the ball." He highlighted that VAR cannot intervene on yellow cards, leaving the suspension unappealable and Ampadu sidelined for his first game since August[3].

Hackett was equally outraged over another incident in the 14th minute, where Jaka Bijol committed sustained holding on Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike in the box without penalty. "How is it possible that an experienced FIFA and Premier League referee can see and fail to recognise that this sustained holding offence is not punished? It is frankly a disgrace," Hackett told MOT Leeds News, calling for PGMOL and Premier League action against such "out of control" issues[2].

Farke hit out at Kavanagh post-match, echoing Leeds fans' fury over the "costly decision" impacting their key player[1]. While Arne Slot's Liverpool dominated possession early, Leeds held firm, though Anfield's atmosphere loomed large. Farke later made a "strange assessment" of the Reds after securing the point[5]. This refereeing saga underscores ongoing debates in officiating, with Leeds advocating fairness amid their resurgence[3].

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