“Never thought i would get booked for celebrating”- Daniel Farke rightly left Stunned by SCANDALOUS decision in Sunderland game
Stuart Atwell’s decision to issue a yellow card to Daniel Farke for celebrating Leeds United’s dramatic 95th-minute winner against Sunderland on Monday has sparked significant debate.
The booking means Farke will be banned from the touchline for Leeds’ upcoming top-of-the-table clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane next Monday.
The decision has faced widespread criticism, with Neil Warnock blaming an overzealous fourth official for the incident. Even Farke himself expressed confusion over the yellow card he received after the match.
Leeds fans were celebrating their return to the top of the Championship following a thrilling win over Sunderland at Elland Road.
Pascal Struijk’s last-minute goal secured all three points, leaving Sunderland’s hopes of automatic promotion hanging by a thread.
However, Farke’s joy was marred by the yellow card, issued for stepping onto the pitch while celebrating Struijk’s winner.
Warnock, the former Leeds manager, criticized the officiating team for choosing to book Farke, and even Farke admitted to being taken aback by the decision. “Never thought I would get booked for celebrating,” Farke said.
Farke’s absence from the touchline could be a significant loss for Leeds in their crucial match against Sheffield United.
The booking for what many see as a harmless celebration only adds to the frustration.
While technically justified by the letter of the law, the decision seems to ignore the emotional nature of football.
Farke acknowledged that his yellow card was likely due to his celebration but found the decision perplexing. He explained in an interview with Sky Sports, “I never thought I would get a yellow card for celebrating, especially when you score a winner in the 95th minute.”
He also mentioned he would review the incident to determine if the card was deserved, as he could not recall the exact details in the heat of the moment.
Warnock continued to express his disbelief, arguing that Atwell’s decision was made without understanding the emotional dynamics of the game.
He suggested that Atwell and other modern referees lack the empathy needed to appreciate such moments, adding that a more experienced official would have let the celebration slide.
“Stuart Atwell should have told the fourth official to let it go,” Warnock said, lamenting the lack of sensitivity towards the passion of the game.
He also pointed out that former referee Howard Webb would have understood the situation and likely refrained from booking Farke.
Warnock criticized the current crop of referees, stating they fail to grasp the spirit of the game and accusing them of being overly focused on the rules rather than the emotions at play. “They know the rules but they don’t know the game,” he said, quoting Bill Shankly.
Farke’s frustration is understandable, as managers have long celebrated dramatic late goals with enthusiasm. This is a part of football’s emotional fabric, and such celebrations have rarely led to bookings.
Just last week, David Moyes celebrated Everton’s late equalizer in the Merseyside derby without receiving any sanction.
Atwell’s decision to issue a yellow card, lacking common sense and awareness of the occasion, could have significant consequences for the upcoming match against Sheffield United.
Rather than discussing the excitement of the top-of-the-table clash, attention has shifted to the controversial referee’s decision, with Warnock suggesting that Atwell may have sought fame by issuing a needless yellow card that could have been easily avoided.
