Sunderland are hoping former Leeds player Ian Poveda returns because there will be plenty of talking points ahead of the tough encounter.
But the big talking point has to be the EFL’s contentious announcement, which has not gone down well.
Daniel Farke and Regis Le Bris will be furious after hearing what the EFL did ahead to Leeds United’s match against Sunderland.
Leeds face Sunderland in a critical match on Monday night at Elland Road, which could decide the promotion race.
The two teams are currently separated by a seven-point margin, although a win for either will significantly improve their promotion chances.
The EFL has made a contentious judgment regarding Leeds against Sunderland.
Leeds will be used to controversy, as the Yorkshire-based club seldom has a dull season.
However, at such a critical juncture in the season, the Whites’ support base may be taken aback.
The EFL has announced that Craig Pawson will lead Leeds against Sunderland on Monday, although Farke and Le Bris may contest the announcement.
You might be thinking that it’s just a referee decision. However, it is much more than that.
Leeds and Sunderland criticize Sheffield United fan Craig Pawson.
The Whites have had their fair share of refereeing blunders this season, with Farke enraged at a decision against Coventry.
Despite winning the game against Frank Lampard’s team, the Leeds manager refuses to let things go, and while he hasn’t had a negative relationship with Pawson at Leeds, his allegiance has generated friction.
Pawson is a Sheffield United fan, and the Blades are only two points behind Leeds, but there is more to this divisive decision.
Leeds fans in 2021 may recall a visit from Liverpool in which Pascal Struijk was sent off for a challenge on Harvey Elliott that sparked controversy at the time.
Struijk won the ball with his initial challenge but caught Elliott’s trailing leg.
After play continued, Pawson opted to fire Struijk, shocking the Leeds defender.
It made matters worse for Pawson when the Liverpool player himself replied on Instagram: “Wasn’t his fault at all.” It wasn’t a red card, simply a freak accident.
Leeds fans react to Sheffield United fan Pawson’s appointment.
Tim Robinson was appointed the last time Leeds and Sunderland met because Farke had a rant about Robinson, and he may do the same with Pawson following Monday night’s result.
Leeds fans have already expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation, voicing concerns about the revelation.
@dd_eyre was not happy, saying: “@FA_PGMOL @EFL @EFL_Comms @LUFC. Why is Craig Pawson, a Sheffield United fan, permitted to referee Leeds United vs Sunderland on Monday night? If you don’t notice a conflict of interest, you must be blind! He has demonstrated an anti-Leeds United bias on multiple occasions #lufc.”
It’s an unusual choice from the EFL, but if there are any further disputed rulings, brace yourself for outrage.
