The Leeds United boss was not happy with the decision to award the Magpies a second-half spot-kick
10:00, 08 Jan 2026Updated 10:21, 08 Jan 2026
Leeds Untied manager Daniel Farke(Image: SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke hit out at referee Michael Salisbury after he awarded Newcastle a second-half penalty in Wednesday night’s dramatic 4-3 win for the Magpies.
The visitors led three times, only for Eddie Howe’s side to equaliser on each occasions . . . before grabbing the winner in a defeaning St James’ Park.
Harvey Barnes was the goal hero for Newcastle, scoring the first equaliser and then that late winner in the 12th minute of time added for for lengthy stoppages.
But while Farke had no issues with the amount of time played, he felt that Newcastle’s penaty for their third goal, awarded when Brenden Aaronson handled Lewis Hall’s cross in the box, was harshly awarded.
“We concentrate on what we can influence,” the Leeds boss said. “And if 12 minutes are given, then we play. Twelve minutes was also a chance for us, perhaps, to join the game the 12 minutes we just concentrate on us from there for that, no complaints about about this.
“I have to say, I am more than proud of the performance of my lads and also the desire and the belief and the bravery that we showed here today against a side which is playing on Champions League level and such a fantastic home team.
“The referee was very happy to give this situation (the penalty) without a split-second wait and thinking about it.
“Of course, the whole home crowd was asking for it and he was happy to give it really quick. Yes, it’s tough because for me, it’s never in the sense of the game to give handball for such a situation.”
Salisbury had incurred the wrath of the home support by awarding Leeds a first-half penalty when Malick Thiaw handballed, although the German claimed he had been pushed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Then Joelinton went down in the box for Newcastle, but the referee opted to book the Brazilian for diving.
Newcastle’s late winner saw incredible scenes inside St James’ Park, but there was criticism of Leeds keeper Lucas Perri, who was unable to stop Barnes’ effort, and Farke admitted it was hard to defend the Brazilian,
“You need also in the last minute of the game a save from your goalkeeper,” Farke added. “If he touches the ball, then he needs also to save it in this moment.
“We know that normally, if you touch the ball – it was not really like a strong strike – you should save this.
“Right now, after the game, I won’t make a general judgment of where he stands or what I will do in the next game. It will be far too emotional but it’s also important, I can’t lie.
“Yes, it’s not like I can say I was man of the match anyhow, and was there with unbelievable saves. Of course, you need also, sometimes in a crucial moment, also a proper save of your goalkeeper.
”And of course, today was definitely a situation where you should save the ball. I can’t lie and pretend, anyhow, that it would be a different scenario, because otherwise he wouldn’t believe me anymore.
“I name it, how I see it, and then this moment, sadly, I can’t protect him from the criticism that he should have, should have saved it.”