“I OVERESTIMATED EDDIE HOWE AND HIS TWELVE MEN” – New Footage Reignites Handball Fury After Newcastle Win Over Leeds
Fresh controversy has erupted following Newcastle United’s dramatic victory over Leeds United after new footage began circulating online showing what Leeds believe was a clear, unpunished handball that could have completely changed the game. The incident has reignited tensions between both clubs and pushed Leeds manager Daniel Farke into one of his most explosive public responses since arriving in England.
Speaking in a heated interview, Farke did not hold back, firing directly at Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and the match officials.
“I overestimated Eddie Howe and his twelve men,” Farke said bluntly. “Because if that handball is given, it’s an easy game for us. Very easy.”
The Leeds boss was referring to a moment involving Newcastle defender Harvey Barnes, where footage now widely shared on social media appears to show the ball striking Barnes’ arm inside the penalty area. Despite protests from Leeds players and staff, play was waved on, VAR did not intervene, and the referee allowed the game to continue.
According to Farke, that single decision shifted the entire momentum of the match.
“That is not football anymore,” he continued. “You prepare all week, you dominate phases of the game, and then one obvious decision is neglected. Everyone sees it. Everyone. Except the referee.”
The phrase “twelve men” instantly caught fire online, with fans interpreting it as a direct accusation that Newcastle benefited from refereeing assistance. Leeds supporters flooded social media with screenshots, slowed-down clips, and freeze-frames of the incident, demanding an explanation from both VAR and the Premier League.
One Leeds fan wrote:
“If that’s not a handball, then the rules don’t exist anymore.”
Another added:
“Farke is right. That decision killed the game.”
Newcastle, on the other hand, have defended the officials, with many supporters arguing that the handball was accidental and consistent with current interpretations of the law. Eddie Howe himself dismissed the controversy, insisting his team earned the result.
“We don’t control referees,” Howe said briefly when asked. “We focus on our performance.”
That response has only added fuel to the fire, with Leeds fans accusing Howe of deflection and arrogance following his earlier comments about overestimating Farke and his players.
Football pundits are now divided. Some agree the footage raises serious questions about consistency in handball decisions, while others argue the laws are being applied correctly, even if they appear harsh.
