Leeds United are very familiar with the referee who will take charge of their game against Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend.
As Leeds prepare for a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium, Daniel Farke knows that he will need an immediate upturn in results to stave off the pressure surrounding his future at Elland Road.
Five defeats in six games have left Leeds firmly rooted in the Premier League relegation places as they head into a difficult run of fixtures.
With Beren Cross suggesting that Farke needs three “Hail Marys” to save his career, Leeds may need a bit of luck to get their season back on track against Pep Guardiola’s title contenders.
Now, Leeds will be reunited with the referee who took charge of their game against Newcastle this season, just days after he played a role in the defeat against Aston Villa.
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Referee appointed for Manchester City vs Leeds United ‘upset’ Ao Tanaka
The Premier League have confirmed that Peter Bankes will take charge of Leeds for the second time this season.
Bankes was the man in charge of the 0-0 draw with Newcastle at Elland Road, but he was also the fourth official as Leeds took on Aston Villa in their most recent fixture.
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The match official made headlines when he told Farke that Ao Tanaka was just one booking away from receiving a second yellow, which prompted Farke to withdraw his midfielder.
According to pundit Matt Holland, Tanaka was visibly upset on the bench after being withdrawn, having only been introduced as a substitute midway through the first half when Anton Stach suffered an injury.
However, he was also part of the process which allowed Lukas Nmecha’s controversial goal to stand. Leeds will be hoping to benefit from a similarly favourable decision this weekend.
Jayden Bogle of Leeds United protests with referee Peter Bankes
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Peter Bankes had an easy afternoon when Leeds met Newcastle
Premier League games rarely pass without some form of controversy, but Leeds’ meeting with Newcastle in August 2025 was one of those occasions.
Neither side was able to carve out an opening in a 0-0 stalemate, and Bankes was rarely called into action in a game which saw the two teams cancel each other out.
Chris Sutton, Ally McCoist and Graham Smyth on Daniel Farke’s position as Leeds manager:
Chris Sutton: “I think it could turn ugly quite quickly with the fans. They have a tough run now.”
Ally McCoist: “If he changes his style and goes more forward-thinking, that would be a start.”
Graham Smyth: “I just think you’re dangerously close to that point [sacking Farke]. Very dangerously close to that point because of what we’ve seen.”
According to the data from FotMob, although there were 25 fouls in total, with Leeds committing 10 and Newcastle committing 15, the referee showed just two yellow cards.
Willy Gnonto was booked for Leeds for a first-half foul, and Nick Pope was cautioned for Newcastle for time-wasting.
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