Leeds Boss Blasts City for Time-Wasting Tricks

Leeds Urges Rule Changes After Late Defeat

Daniel Farke, Leeds United's manager, urged rule changes to curb tactical stoppages and stop fake injuries, especially after his side fell late to Manchester City 3-2 in the Premier League's 13th round.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City's goalkeeper, was on the ground again after a cue from Ruben Dias, as Leeds pressed hard to level.

City boss Pep Guardiola exploited the break to gather players and issue fresh instructions, a tactic increasingly common in the league.

Farke blasted Donnarumma, calling it a dive, telling The Daily Mail, 'Everyone knows why he went down. I asked the fourth official: Will you act? He said no, our hands are tied'.

The German coach added, 'If we don\'t teach fair play and sportsmanship, and let rules be breached to gain an edge—like simulating for extra instructions—I won\'t be happy'.

But as long as it’s legal, there’s nothing to complain about. There are tools to prevent this, and if unused, the rules may need changing.

He added that the fall of the goalkeeper instead of a field player forces the referee to stop play immediately, making it a more effective tactical ploy.

The coach also said lawmakers could consider solutions like returning the ball to the opposing side or trimming stoppage time if a dive is suspected; 'There are tools to stop this, but we must use them'.

Guardiola said he was unaware of Donnarumma’s situation, adding, 'I didn’t speak to him; when it happened I told James Trafford to warm up. I don’t know what happened; ask me at the next press conference'.

Time-wasting is football’s most expensive trick—the clock wins every time. Donnarumma’s dive is theater, but the act may come with a price tag for the game.

If time-wasting paid wages, Leeds would have signed a multi-year contract with the clock.

Donnarumma's dive proves football is theatre with dramatic timing and a very expensive ticket.