Leeds United are set to be at a major disadvantage during their FA Cup clash with Norwich on Sunday.
Considering that Leeds have lost their last two Premier League outings, it is important that the Whites use this FA Cup tie to build some much-needed momentum for the run-in, with relegation rivals like West Ham continuing to pick up vital wins.
Whilst pundits like Gary Lineker still feel as though Leeds will avoid the drop, they also acknowledged that the relegation battle has become much tighter as Leeds supporters brace for a nervy end to the campaign.
However, Leeds’ chances of progressing into the quarter-final of the FA Cup have just taken a major hit after a recent FA statement was released.
FA sanctions Daniel Farke as official statement made
Farke was controversially dismissed after the full-time whistle blew against Manchester City, when the German manager attempted to confront referee Peter Bankes.
As reposted on Leeds United’s official website, the FA have released a statement regarding the incident and the punishment Farke will receive as a result.
“Daniel Farke has been sanctioned for misconduct following the Premier League fixture between Leeds United FC and Manchester City FC on Saturday, 28 February.
“It was alleged that the manager entered the field of play at full-time to confront the match official/s, contrary to Law 12 of the Laws of the Game.
“Daniel Farke subsequently admitted the charge against him and accepted the standard one-match suspension and £8,000 fine.”
The confirmation of Farke’s one-match touchline ban means he will not be able to instruct his United team from the sidelines against Norwich in what could prove to be a major blow.
Data suggests Leeds are still heavy favourites against Norwich
Regardless of the suspension ensuring that Farke cannot be in the dugout against his former club, Opta’s supercomputer still suggests the Whites are heavy favourites going into the tie.
- Leeds’ chances of winning sit at 68%
- Championship outfit Norwich are said to have a 14.3% of causing an upset
- The chances of the game ending in a draw are 17.7%, meaning extra-time and potentially penalties would be needed to determine a winner
Whilst Farke’s main focus will be on keeping Leeds in the top flight, the German manager will be aware that he has a real opportunity to go deep in the FA Cup with the Whites and potentially claim a far bigger prize than just Premier League survival.
