Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has launched a fierce critique of what he perceives as a tactical loophole in football, accusing Manchester City and their goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of gamesmanship during a dramatic 3-2 defeat at the Etihad.
The Incident That Sparked the Controversy
The flashpoint occurred during the second half on Saturday 29 November 2025. Leeds, having scored one goal and piling pressure on the Premier League champions, were in the ascendancy. It was at this pivotal moment that Italy's number one, Gianluigi Donnarumma, went to ground, requiring treatment.
Unlike with outfield players, the match cannot continue while a goalkeeper receives attention on the pitch. Farke believes this rule was exploited, allowing City manager Pep Guardiola to deliver an impromptu team-talk to his players during the unscheduled break in play.
Farke's Frustration with 'Obvious' Gamesmanship
Speaking after the match, the German manager did not mince his words. He explicitly exonerated Guardiola from blame, but was scathing in his assessment of the goalkeeper's actions and the current regulations.
"Everyone knows why he went down. Why he went down was obvious," Farke stated. He described the tactic as "smart" and technically within the laws of the game, but questioned its spirit. He revealed that he even confronted the fourth official, who told him "our hands are tied, we can't do anything."
Farke expressed his personal distaste for such methods, emphasising the importance of fair play and sportsmanship. He argued that the incident highlights a need for the football authorities to re-evaluate the rules and how players are educated.
The Aftermath and Calls for Change
Despite the disruption, Leeds managed to equalise, only for Phil Foden to snatch a late winner for Manchester City in injury time. While the result was a bitter pill to swallow, Farke's post-match focus remained firmly on the broader implications of the Donnarumma incident.
He has now publicly called for a review, suggesting that the game must find a way to deal with what he sees as a potential for fake injuries to gain a tactical advantage. This controversy puts a spotlight on a unique aspect of the goalkeeper position and raises questions about whether the rules inadvertently encourage such behaviour.
