Leeds recently inflicted misery on Virgil van Dijk and his teammates.
An equaliser from Ao Tanaka in the 96th minute held Liverpool to a 3-3 draw at Elland Road when they were just seconds away from victory over Leeds.
However, Leeds and Daniel Farke could end up being the miserable ones on Sunday, depending on how the “nervous” Tony Harrington officiates the trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.
Leeds United told Tony Harrington is a “nervous” official by Virgil van Dijk
The last thing you want a Premier League referee to be is anxious, but that’s what Leeds could experience in Wearside on Sunday.
Six points clear of the bottom three – Leeds can start to relax… can’t they? 😤
Gary Neville on Leeds.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Harrington has been put in charge of the clash between the two promoted sides, but he previously made a real mess of a Premier League game between Liverpool and Fulham last season.
The Englishman failed to send Issa Diop off for a strong challenge on Andy Robertson, before eventually sending the Liverpool defender off instead for a foul on Harry Wilson – a target for Leeds this winter.
Worryingly, Van Dijk added that Harrington was even unable to communicate “properly” with the players to go along with his nervousness. The Express quoted the Dutchman as saying in December 2024: “I had conversations with the players of Fulham and we felt like the referee was nervous. He couldn’t properly communicate with Robertson I felt.”
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Like Elland Road, the Stadium of Light can be a raucous venue where home fans put plenty of pressure on the referee, so it is imperative that Harrington shows no nerves and does not bow down to cries from the Sunderland fans.
What is Leeds United’s record under Tony Harrington?
Despite the fact he concerned Van Dijk with apparent nervousness, the 42-year-old has previously been something of a good omen for Leeds.
Answer this: Leeds United will finish in ___th place if Dominic Calvert-Lewin stays fit 📊
Six goals in five for the big man!
Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Brentford v Leeds United - Premier League
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Harrington has overseen 16 Leeds games in total throughout his career, and the Whites have only lost five of those without ever being shown a red card.
Club Games Wins Draws Defeats Yellow Cards Red Card for Two Yellows Straight Red Cards Penalties Awarded
Leeds 16 6 5 5 22 0 0 5
Hopefully, Leeds can make it seven wins from 17 games under Harrington’s watchful eye at the Stadium of Light.
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