Leeds United player Ethan Ampadu, Leeds manager Daniel Farke in a circular insert.
Leeds United recorded their third consecutive draw away from home when they drew 0-0 with Liverpool at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
As soon as Daniel Farke’s teamsheet was released, it was clear the German was setting up for a draw, and his plan worked a treat as United were able to frustrate the reigning Premier League champions and limit their clear cut opportunties.
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One bit of controversial refereeing saw Liverpool not awarded a penalty after Jaka Bijol repeatedly grabbed Hugo Ekitike in the penalty area, with former Liverpool striker Michael Owen slamming Bijol’s defending.
However, it was another decision in particular that riled up Leeds supporters on social media, and it involves their skipper, Ethan Ampadu.
Leeds fans react to Ethan Ampadu suspension
Farke himself was not impressed with referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance, admitting to reporters after the game that he had to calm himself down.
One of the decisions the German manager took contention with was the decision to book Ampadu for handball, with the yellow card being the midfielder’s fifth of the season, ruling him out of the game against Manchester United on Sunday through suspension.
Most supporters watching the game felt as though Ampadu controlled the ball with his shoulder rather than his arm, but Kavanagh seemingly gave in to the pressure of the Anfield crowd and booked the Whites’ midfield general.
One supporter labelled the decision an “absolute disgrace” before claiming Leeds should be “demanding an explanation and an apology.”
This opinion was not unpopular within the fanbase, with another fan saying, “Ampadu’s yellow card was never a yellow. Shame he misses the Manchester United game because of an officiating error.”
Another supporter said, “Fuming about Ampadu’s yellow card for a handball. Now suspended for Sunday’s game against Man United. Costly.” With one more adding, “Ampadu now suspended for Man U for a handball that didn’t even happen.”
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Leeds United yet to win without Ethan Ampadu in the Premier League this season
Despite Farke being handed a major selection boost, with Sean Longstaff returning to training, Ampadu will be a noticeable absence for Leeds on Sunday.
Ampadu has featured in 17 of the Whites’ 19 Premier League fixtures this season
The two he missed were the 5-0 demolition against Arsenal, followed by the 0-0 draw with Newcastle
Farke’s side are yet to score a goal in Ampadu’s absence
The fact that the Welshman is missing Leeds’ biggest game of the season when he is in the middle of one of the biggest purple patches of his career is another bitter pill Farke and Co. will have to swallow as he desperately searches for a new way to set up his side at the weekend.
The absence of Ampadu’s long throw-in is another important thing to consider, too, with Leeds’ threat from set-pieces set to be limited whilst the 25-year-old serves his suspension.
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