Leeds United Left Frustrated After Questionable Decision Backed by Ex-FIFA Official

Leeds United picked up a valuable point away from home on New Year’s Day after a hard-fought 0–0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

It was another strong performance from Daniel Farke’s side and extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six matches.

The result keeps Leeds moving in the right direction. They are now seven points clear of the relegation zone, which puts them in a healthy position heading into the second half of the season.

Confidence around Elland Road is growing, and performances against top teams show Leeds are becoming harder to beat.

However, despite the positive result, the game was not without controversy.

One refereeing decision has caused anger among Leeds fans and could have serious consequences for the upcoming clash with Manchester United.

Ethan Ampadu Booking Sparks Debate

Midway through the second half, Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu was shown a yellow card for handball by referee Christopher Kavanagh.

The decision came after the ball appeared to strike Ampadu high on the body while he was tracking back to defend.

From the stands and on television replays, it looked like the ball hit his shoulder rather than his arm.

Leeds players protested, but the referee was not interested. He judged it as deliberate handball and booked the Welsh midfielder.

That moment quickly became a talking point, especially as it pushed Ampadu over the five-yellow-card limit for the season.

This means he is now suspended and will miss the massive home game against Manchester United at Elland Road.

Former Referee Says Decision Was Wrong

The decision did not sit well with many experts either. Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has since spoken out and believes the booking should never have happened.

Hackett explained that, under the laws of the game, using the shoulder to control the ball is legal.

If the footage shows shoulder contact rather than arm or hand, then no offence has taken place. In his view, the referee made the wrong call by punishing Ampadu.

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He also pointed out another frustrating issue for Leeds. Even if VAR officials at Stockley Park believed the decision was incorrect, they were unable to step in.

Under current rules, VAR cannot intervene for yellow card incidents. On top of that, yellow cards cannot be appealed after the match.

As a result, the decision stands, no matter how questionable it looks.

Massive Blow Ahead of Manchester United Clash

Losing Ampadu for the Manchester United game is a huge setback for Leeds. The 25-year-old has been one of their most reliable players this season.

He leads by example, breaks up play in midfield, and helps keep the team organised during tough moments.

His absence will be felt, especially against a team like Manchester United, which still has quality even when out of form.

Ampadu’s calm presence and leadership would have been vital in such a high-pressure match.

Leeds fans are understandably angry. Many feel it is unfair that such an important game will be missed due to a decision that even refereeing experts believe was wrong.

It adds to the wider frustration around inconsistent officiating in the Premier League.

Leeds Still Showing Strong Progress

Despite the disappointment, there are plenty of positives for Leeds to take from the Liverpool match.

Keeping a clean sheet at Anfield is no small achievement. The team defended well, stayed compact, and worked tirelessly from the first minute to the last.

Under Daniel Farke, Leeds look more organised and confident. They are not just surviving games anymore, they are competing.

The unbeaten run has lifted belief, and Elland Road has started to feel like a difficult place for visiting teams again.

While Ampadu’s suspension hurts, Leeds will need others to step up. This squad has shown togetherness and fight in recent weeks, and that spirit will be tested again on Sunday.

If Leeds can deliver another strong home performance, they can still make life very difficult for Manchester United, even without their captain.

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