Leeds United picked up their third straight away draw on New Year’s Day after battling to a hard-earned 0–0 stalemate against Liverpool at Anfield.

When Daniel Farke named his starting XI, it was clear the Leeds boss had set his side up to frustrate, and the plan worked perfectly. The Whites restricted the reigning Premier League champions to very few clear-cut chances over the 90 minutes.

The match was not without controversy. Liverpool were denied a penalty after Jaka Bijol appeared to repeatedly pull Hugo Ekitike inside the box, a moment that drew strong criticism from former Reds striker Michael Owen.

However, it was another refereeing call that truly infuriated Leeds supporters — one involving club captain Ethan Ampadu.

Leeds fans react to Ethan Ampadu suspension

Farke himself was unhappy with referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance, admitting after the match that he had to calm himself down.

One decision that particularly angered the German coach was Kavanagh’s choice to book Ampadu for handball. The yellow card was the midfielder’s fifth of the campaign, meaning he will now miss Sunday’s clash with Manchester United due to suspension.

Many watching believed Ampadu controlled the ball with his shoulder rather than his arm, but Kavanagh appeared to bow to pressure from the Anfield crowd and produced the booking regardless.

Leeds fans were quick to vent their frustration on social media. One supporter branded the decision an “absolute disgrace,” insisting the club should be “demanding an explanation and an apology.”

That view was widely shared. Another fan said:
“Ampadu’s yellow card was never a yellow. Ridiculous that he misses the Man United game because of an officiating mistake.”

Others echoed the same sentiment, with one posting:
“Fuming about Ampadu’s handball booking. Now suspended for Sunday against Man United. That’s costly.”

Another added: