“I AM GIVING UP MY LICENSE IF HE IS NOT SUSPENDED” – Daniel Farke Drops Coldest Interview After Leeds’ Late Collapse at St James’ Park

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has ignited a major storm across English football after delivering one of the most explosive post-match interviews of the season, following his side’s dramatic and controversial 4–3 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

In a game packed with goals, tension, and late drama, Leeds were left furious after conceding two stoppage-time incidents that turned the match on its head. But it was not Newcastle’s late goals that dominated the headlines — it was Farke’s blistering attack on referee Michael Salisbury, whom he accused of acting as Newcastle’s “12th player”.

Leeds had fought back impressively through goals from Brenden Aaronson (32’, 79’) and a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty just before half-time, matching Newcastle blow for blow. Newcastle struck through Harvey Barnes (36’, 90+12’), Joelinton (54’), and a dramatic Bruno Guimarães penalty at 90+1’.

However, Farke’s fury centred on two decisions: the award of the late penalty and the decision to add more than ten minutes of stoppage time.

“I am serious,” Farke said, visibly furious. “If this referee is not suspended after tonight, I am giving up my coaching license. This is not football, this is not refereeing — this is manipulation.”

The Leeds boss did not hold back, accusing Michael Salisbury of consistently favouring the home side in critical moments.

“We played against Newcastle and against the referee,” he continued. “He was their 12th player. The penalty decision is shocking, and the stoppage time? Where does +10 come from? There was no justification.”

The late drama reached boiling point when Guimarães converted from the spot in the 91st minute, before Barnes sealed the win deep into stoppage time. Leeds players surrounded the referee at full-time, while Farke stormed down the tunnel, only to return moments later for his post-match interview — where his anger reached another level.

“At St James’ Park, apparently the rules are different,” Farke added. “If this happens anywhere else, the game is over at 95 minutes. Here, it goes on until Newcastle score.”

The comments immediately sent shockwaves through the Premier League, with pundits split over whether Farke had crossed the line. Some sympathised with his frustration, pointing to the emotional toll of repeated late decisions going against Leeds. Others warned that his remarks could lead to heavy sanctions from the FA.

The Premier League and PGMOL are now expected to review the match officials’ performance, while Farke himself could face a charge for bringing the game into disrepute. Sources suggest Leeds United are fully behind their manager, believing the club has been “consistently unlucky” with refereeing decisions this season.

Leeds fans, meanwhile, rallied around Farke on social media, praising him for “saying what everyone is thinking” and accusing officials of allowing home-crowd pressure to influence key decisions.

For Newcastle, the win keeps their momentum alive, but even their supporters acknowledge the controversy surrounding the finish. For Leeds, the defeat leaves a bitter taste — not just because of the result, but because of how it unfolded.

Whether Daniel Farke’s outburst leads to change, punishment, or further escalation remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: his words have ensured this match will be remembered not just for the goals, but for one of the coldest and most uncompromising interviews English football has seen this season.