Leeds United head to the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday to face Brentford, but preparations for the match have already taken a frustrating turn.
Daniel Farke’s team arrive in good spirits after a dramatic week. Ao Tanaka’s 96th-minute strike earned a 3-3 draw against Liverpool on Saturday, just days after Leeds beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road thanks to goals from Tanaka, Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Those results have eased the pressure on Farke and lifted Leeds out of the relegation zone and up to 16th.
Farke’s past issues with referee John Brooks
The Premier League has now confirmed the match officials for Sunday’s game, with John Brooks appointed as referee and Michael Salisbury and Tim Robinson overseeing VAR.
It’s an appointment Farke is unlikely to welcome. During his time at Norwich City in 2020, the German manager strongly disagreed with a penalty Brooks awarded against his side, insisting Oliver Skipp had not fouled Ben Davies in the box. After that match, Farke described the decision as “never a penalty,” arguing that Skipp had simply challenged a much bigger defender.
Leeds’ own history with Brooks
This will also be the first Leeds fixture Brooks has overseen since the 2024 Championship play-off final. That day ended in heartbreak for the Whites, as Adam Armstrong’s early goal earned Southampton promotion and left Leeds facing another season in the second tier.
Leeds have since put that disappointment behind them, securing automatic promotion by winning the Championship title last season, and they now appear to be finding their rhythm in the Premier League.
Farke’s side will be hoping the officiating plays no part in Sunday’s outcome as they look to extend their improved run of form against Brentford.