Daniel Farke reveals phone call he had with official after shock Leeds United moments v Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke spoke with PGMOL's Kevin Friend after they were denied two goals in the win at Middlesbrough.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has confirmed that he spoke with PGMOL official Kevin Friend to discuss the decisions that went against his side in their win at Middlesbrough in the week.

The Whites picked up a hard-fought three points at the Riverside Stadium thanks to an early Dan James goal, which moved them back to the top of the Championship.

Farke’s side were hanging on at the end as they battled for the win, but they should’ve had it wrapped up earlier, as Ao Tanaka and Patrick Bamford both had goals incorrectly ruled out.

Daniel Farke confirms PGMOL talks after Leeds United win at Middlesbrough

The Japanese international was wrongly adjudged to have been offside when a Manor Solomon cross was whipped in, whilst Bamford was flagged despite making a well-timed run later in the game.

Even though it wasn’t costly, it was hugely frustrating for all connected to Leeds, particularly as they had grievances with the same linesman earlier this year.

And, speaking to reporter Isaac Johnson, Farke admitted that he held talks with former Premier League official Friend, who now has a role with the PGMOL, although he wouldn’t go into details on what was said.

“I won't talk about it in public, because that would be a lack of class. I hope for good performances from my players and he hopes for good performances for [his staff].”

Leeds United must stay focused on promotion push

You can understand why Leeds were annoyed on Tuesday night, as you could tell after one replay that both decisions were wrong.

But, these things happen in football, and it’s a price you pay for not having VAR, as human error is part and parcel of the game.

Many are happy with that, as they don’t like how VAR has changed the matchday experience in the Premier League, so, unfortunately, it means you have to accept that more errors, especially with offsides, will be made in the EFL.

Of course, that doesn’t mean the officials should be excused for making mistakes, and Farke was right to speak to the PGMOL about the errors, as it wasn’t good enough.

But, it’s been and gone now, and pleasingly for all involved, they weren’t mistakes that cost Leeds points.

The team deserve credit for ensuring they still picked up the win at Boro, and it felt like a big night in the promotion race as Burnley and Sheffield United dropped points.