Daniel Farke has commented that the booing from certain sections of Leeds United fans during their match against Manchester City is unlikely to have been related to the Ramadan fast break.
Leeds fans faced significant backlash after their booing interrupted the game to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan.
City manager Pep Guardiola condemned the booing in his post-match press conference, and the anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out described the incident as “massively disappointing.”
“If the booing was disrespectful concerning the break, then we need to acknowledge that,” Farke stated.
“I’m not convinced everyone understood what was happening. There was talk of Pep [Guardiola] bringing players for a team talk, which may have led supporters to believe that was the cause for the break.
“I don’t think the booing was related to Ramadan. If some fans booed because of this, it’s unacceptable.”
Following the match, Farke went directly onto the Elland Road pitch to speak with referee Peter Bankes, expressing his frustration over multiple decisions, particularly the lack of added time in the tightly contested 1-0 loss.
Antoine Semenyo netted the only goal in first-half stoppage time, allowing City to maintain pressure on title contenders Arsenal, while Leeds remained six points above the relegation zone after suffering only their third defeat in 15 league games.
Farke, who was sent off for the first time in his 16-year managerial career, stated that he did not use offensive language toward Bankes or the match officials, insisting the red card was shown before he had the chance to speak.
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“I was informed that the Premier League or the referees will reach out once they have the full report of the incident. It should come soon, after which I can respond,” Farke remarked.
“The report will outline the reason for the red card. I’m uncertain about the appeal process. My gut feeling is that this red card was unwarranted.
“When there is a clear and obvious mistake, and I believe this was, it should be reversed. I’ve seen cases where a red card issued by mistake is overturned, and I expect the same here.”
As the club and Farke deliberate on whether to appeal, it is reported that, depending on the referee’s report, he might choose to accept a potential one-match ban rather than pursue an appeal.
Farke, who hopes to be on the sidelines for Tuesday’s match against Sunderland, added: “I approached him without using any offensive language.
“I merely wanted to understand why he didn’t add any time on. He didn’t respond and just showed me the red card.
“To pull out a red card and humiliate me in front of everyone was frustrating. Even the assistant referees appeared shocked by the decision. This isn’t how we should operate with one another.”