Leeds United manager Daniel Farke calls for rule change after Manchester City loss | OneFootball

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has urged football’s lawmakers to address what he describes as a growing “grey area” in the rules after his side’s 3-2 defeat at Manchester City, highlighting an incident involving goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Italian went down requiring treatment during the second half, prompting the referee to pause play. As medical staff entered the pitch, Pep Guardiola used the stoppage to call his players to the touchline for instructions, a moment Farke viewed as exploitative, even if technically permitted.

Leeds equalised shortly after the break in play but were unable to hold on for a point, and Farke said the episode underlined a loophole that coaches can manipulate to disrupt rhythm and momentum.

“It’s not about accusing anyone,” he said. “If there is this grey zone, you can label it smart or mature to use it. But it’s not in the spirit of the game.”

Farke added that referees told him they have no authority to intervene as long as treatment is required. While he admits he has taken advantage of similar situations earlier in his career, he believes clearer legislation is needed to prevent tactical timeouts disguised as injury stoppages.

“I’d like to talk about football, not rule changes,” he said. “But it’s good that there is now a discussion.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle