Daniel Farke flabbergasted after what happened in Leeds United loss v Portsmouth | OneFootball

Leeds United remain at the top of the table despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth in the Championship on Sunday at Fratton Park.

The Whites missed several clear-cut opportunities, and they were punished by Colby Bishop, who scored with a dinked finish over Illan Meslier just after the hour mark.

The big moment of the game came in the first half when Matt Ritchie, while trying to clear the ball, sent Dan James to the floor. However, referee Robert Jones turned down the appeal.

Neil Warnock on Sky Sports described the incident as a “disgrace”, as it was daylight clear that the Pompey player kicked him in the leg rather than connecting with the ball.

Daniel Farke was also left bemused by the decision after the game.

“Normally, I would back the ref to be in the right spot because at full speed, he takes James’ leg. How this isn’t a penalty, I don’t know,” said Farke.

An intense Championship promotion race

Leeds find themselves level on points with second-placed Sheffield United, while Burnley are only two points behind them.

Joel Piroe got some very good scoring opportunities in both halves, but he couldn’t find finishing boots against Pompey. Sam Byram came close to scoring an equaliser right at the death, but Pompey keeper Nicolas Schmid made a cracking save to deny him.

Junior Firpo also came close to scoring after he was played through, but another fine close-range save from Schmid denied him.

Leeds were in a similar position in a three-horse title race with Leicester and Ipswich last season, but they ran out of steam towards the closing stages and missed out on promotion.

Farke has called for calm after the Whites picked up just one point from the past six available. The Leeds players have the experience to deal with this situation, and they should not panic.