Exclusive: Mark Clattenberg comments on ‘unforgivable’ Leeds offside decisions, addresses linesman’s future

The Championship table is enjoyable reading for Leeds United fans once again as Daniel Farke’s side returned to first place with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough – but Leeds will still feel hard done by.

In the red-hot pressure cooker of the Championship promotion battle, Leeds went to The Riverside after just one win in the last six games. A five-point lead surrendered, Daniel Farke’s men sitting in third place.

Dan James scored in the second minute however and despite Middlesbrough piling on the pressure late on, Leeds held on to secure a 1-0 win. That is despite scoring three perfectly good goals on the night.

Replays showed that Ao Tanaka was onside when he prodded in a Manor Solomon cross at the back post. Then Patrick Bamford scored on what was his 200th outing after being played in by Willy Gnonto.

Mark Clattenburg says Leeds United offsides were “unforgivable”

But Bamford’s goal was ruled out too, even though replays showed it was onside – like Tanaka’s effort. Remarkably, this is not the first time Leeds have seen goals given offside by assistant ref Darren Williams.

Williams ruled out Joel Piroe’s goal recently in the 2-0 win over Millwall, and cancelled out Gnonto’s effort against Coventry. LeedsUnited.News spoke to legend referee Mark Clattenburg who criticised Williams.

“The two incorrect offside decisions are unforgivable. The same Assistant Referee has made earlier errors in the season and one would question how he is still operating at the top tier of the Football League.

“I am sure PGMOL and his coaches will be looking at this and trying to improve his future performances. The cry for VAR will rumble on in the Championship,” Clattenburg told LeedsUnited.News after full-time.

“They have goal line technology and maybe the next step is to have offside covered by the technology which are still factual decisions but wrong decisions can have a massive impact on a club,” he continued.

What Daniel Farke said about Darren Williams after full-time

Farke understood the importance of not getting himself banned from the touchline in the final five games of the season and chose not to comment, or incriminate himself. But, he was astounded at the decisions.

Speaking to reporters, Farke said: “I can’t do anything. If I am here with a big speech I have to watch the game from the gantry. Normally on side of the ref. But I’m struggling today to find some proper words.”

It certainly angered Jermaine Beckford and Neil Warnock. But it does leave The Whites return to the top of the table with Burnley drawing with Derby County and Sheffield United losing at home to Millwall.

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