“WTF IS THAT CHANT? NO DOUBT, NEWCASTLE UNITED FANS WERE PATHETIC” – Daniel Farke Slams Newcastle Supporters After Shocking Act.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has launched a furious attack on Newcastle United fans following what he described as a “pathetic and nonchalant” chant that disrupted the match and directly influenced the officiating during Leeds’ controversial clash at St James’ Park.
Speaking after the game, an already-incensed Farke went beyond refereeing decisions and turned his focus to the home crowd, claiming that events in the 57th minute crossed a line and should never be tolerated at Premier League level.
According to the Leeds boss, Newcastle supporters began a sustained chant midway through the second half that he believes placed undue pressure on the referee at a critical moment in the match.
“What happened in the 57th minute was embarrassing,” Farke said bluntly. “That chant had nothing to do with football. It was nonchalant, disrespectful, and completely unnecessary. If we are serious about protecting the integrity of the game, then this cannot be ignored.”
Farke linked the chant directly to what followed moments later — a penalty decision he described as “imaginary” and “invented under pressure.”
“The referee didn’t just get the decision wrong,” he continued. “He ignored the rules. There are clear guidelines about crowd behaviour and when a game should be paused. Instead, he allowed the atmosphere to dictate the game. That is unacceptable.”
The Leeds manager made it clear that his frustration was not aimed at passionate support, but at behaviour he believes crossed into manipulation.
“I respect loud fans. I respect pressure. That’s football,” Farke explained. “But when chants become a tool to influence officials, and the referee allows it, then we have a serious problem. Tonight, Newcastle fans crossed that line.”
The comments have sparked an immediate backlash, particularly among Newcastle supporters, who accuse Farke of deflecting blame after a difficult result. However, Leeds fans have rallied behind their manager, insisting that crowd influence on referees is an issue the Premier League has failed to confront honestly.
Social media quickly lit up following Farke’s interview, with Leeds supporters demanding the league review both the penalty incident and the referee’s handling of the crowd. Many pointed out that similar chants elsewhere have previously resulted in matches being paused or announcements being made over stadium loudspeakers.
Farke confirmed that Leeds United will be submitting an official complaint, not only about the penalty decision but also about the referee’s failure to act during the chanting.
“This is not about losing a game,” he said. “It’s about standards. If we allow this behaviour and pretend it doesn’t matter, then we are lying to ourselves about fairness in this league.”
The Premier League has yet to comment on Farke’s remarks, but sources suggest the incident, along with the referee’s performance, will be reviewed. Meanwhile, there are growing expectations that Farke himself could face scrutiny for the strength of his language.
Whether sanctions follow or not, the Leeds manager’s message was unmistakably clear: for him, the events at St James’ Park were not just controversial — they were damaging to the credibility of the competition itself.
