1. Stonewall Handball in the Box – Leeds vs. Norwich City (January 2024)In a crucial Championship encounter against Norwich City, Leeds were denied what seemed like a clear penalty when a Norwich defender handled the ball inside the box. The referee, however, waved away protests despite the ball clearly striking the defender’s arm from close range. It was a decision that left many scratching their heads, especially given the apparent intent and positioning of the arm.

2. Red Card Howler – Leeds vs. Watford (March 2024)Leeds were on the receiving end of a shocking no-call when a reckless challenge from a Watford midfielder went unpunished. The tackle, which was high and dangerous, should have resulted in a red card, but the referee only handed out a yellow, much to the frustration of Leeds players and fans. The decision sparked outrage, with many claiming that the referee had failed to protect the players.

3. Disallowed Goal – Leeds vs. Stoke City (April 2024)In a hard-fought match against Stoke City, Leeds thought they had broken the deadlock with a well-taken header from a corner. However, the goal was controversially ruled out for an alleged push by a Leeds player on the goalkeeper, despite there being minimal contact. Replays showed little to no evidence of a foul, yet the goal was chalked off, costing Leeds crucial points in the race for promotion.

4. Non-Booking for Time-Wasting – Leeds vs. Middlesbrough (June 2024)Middlesbrough’s goalkeeper repeatedly indulged in time-wasting throughout the match, taking an excessive amount of time to restart play from goal kicks. Despite the clear disruption to the flow of the game, the referee failed to show a yellow card for these delays, frustrating Leeds as they chased a vital goal. The lack of action was particularly glaring as similar time-wasting tactics in other games had been punished.

5. Incorrect Offside Call – Leeds vs. Birmingham City (September 2024)A key moment in Leeds’ clash against Birmingham City saw a disallowed goal for offside that left fans and players bewildered. Replays suggested that the Leeds forward was clearly onside when receiving the ball and scoring, but the linesman’s flag was raised, and the goal was ruled out. The decision had a significant impact on the outcome of the game, with Leeds failing to secure all three points in a crucial fixture.

These decisions have highlighted ongoing frustrations with refereeing inconsistencies, and with the intensity of Leeds’ push for promotion or survival in the Championship, they continue to seek fairer treatment on the field.

5. Stonewall Penalty Missed – Leeds vs. Sunderland (March 2024)This was one of the most infuriating decisions of the 2023/24 season for Leeds fans, coming at a crucial point in their promotion push. The game was locked in a tense battle as Leeds struggled to break down Sunderland at Elland Road. With the second half underway, Leeds earned a corner, and the ball was about to meet the head of new signing, Joe Rodon, when disaster struck.

Sunderland centre-back Luke O’Nien clearly punched the ball away with an outstretched arm, denying Leeds a certain goal. The moment was blatant, and yet referee Tim Robinson failed to award the penalty, leaving everyone in disbelief.

The decision was so egregious that O’Nien himself mocked the incident after the match, highlighting just how clear the handball was.

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford was visibly shocked at the lack of a penalty, as were the rest of the players and the fans. This call felt like the latest in a series of missed opportunities for Leeds, and with the promotion race so tight, this crucial decision – or lack thereof – proved to be a bitter blow for Daniel Farke’s side. The fact that such a clear-cut penalty was overlooked added to the growing frustration surrounding officiating during Leeds’ campaign.

5. Stonewall Penalty Missed – Leeds vs. Sunderland (March 2024)This was one of the most infuriating decisions of the 2023/24 season for Leeds fans, coming at a crucial point in their promotion push. The game was locked in a tense battle as Leeds struggled to break down Sunderland at Elland Road. With the second half underway, Leeds earned a corner, and the ball was about to meet the head of new signing, Joe Rodon, when disaster struck.

Sunderland centre-back Luke O’Nien clearly punched the ball away with an outstretched arm, denying Leeds a certain goal. The moment was blatant, and yet referee Tim Robinson failed to award the penalty, leaving everyone in disbelief. The decision was so egregious that O’Nien himself mocked the incident after the match, highlighting just how clear the handball was.

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford was visibly shocked at the lack of a penalty, as were the rest of the players and the fans. This call felt like the latest in a series of missed opportunities for Leeds, and with the promotion race so tight, this crucial decision – or lack thereof – proved to be a bitter blow for Daniel Farke’s side. The fact that such a clear-cut penalty was overlooked added to the growing frustration surrounding officiating during Leeds’ campaign.

4. Red Card Howler – Leeds vs. Blackburn Rovers (November 2024)One of the most shocking decisions of the 2024 season came in Leeds’ defeat at Blackburn Rovers, where referee Lewis Smith failed to issue a red card for Tyrhys Dolan’s reckless challenge on Junior Firpo. The incident was clear for all to see, with Dolan clattering Firpo with studs up and shin-high, a challenge that had absolutely no connection to the ball.

Smith, who was only a few yards away from the incident, somehow deemed the tackle worthy of just a yellow card. The challenge was dangerous and had plenty of intent, and Farke was left utterly baffled by the leniency shown by the official. With over half an hour still to play, this could have been a game-changer, potentially shifting momentum in Leeds’ favor if Dolan had been sent off.

Instead, Dolan stayed on the pitch, and Leeds were left to contend with a missed opportunity, as the match ended in defeat. The inconsistency in officiating was glaring, especially given the severity of the challenge, and the decision remains one of the worst of the season.

5. No Red for Ben Whiteman – Preston North End 1-1 Leeds (December 14, 2024)Saving the worst for last, the decision not to issue a red card to Ben Whiteman in Leeds’ 1-1 draw against Preston North End was nothing short of baffling. With Preston leading 1-0, Whiteman, already on a yellow card, lunged into a challenge on Jayden Bogle, catching him with his studs on the follow-through. The tackle was reckless and dangerous, yet referee John Busby somehow opted not to send Whiteman off.

The decision left both the stadium and viewers in disbelief. The lack of a red card was a glaring mistake, and Whiteman was swiftly substituted at half-time to prevent him from being sent off later in the match. Leeds’ manager, Paul Heckingbottom, was also left frustrated, stating after the match that Whiteman should have seen red. This was, without a doubt, one of the most egregious officiating errors of the season, and it arguably cost Leeds the chance to press for all three points.