Preston Manager Acknowledges Leeds’ Justified Upset Over Whiteman’s Non-Dismissal

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom stated that Leeds United had valid grounds to be upset that Ben Whiteman was not sent off during their 1-1 draw on Saturday. The Lilywhites’ captain received a booking in the 32nd minute for a foul on Brenden Aaronson but avoided a second yellow card for a robust challenge on Jayden Bogle four minutes later. Heckingbottom substituted Whiteman at half-time, expressing concern that the midfielder would eventually be dismissed. “Definitely,” Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire when asked if he can understand why the Whites were unhappy with the decision. “Straight after that, [Wilfired] Gnonto’s running past him and players are clever, especially ball-carrying players that draw in the foul.” He added, “I thought Ben did extremely well there not to make another one. The only decision was do I wait until half-time to do it? So, it was important that we made that change.” Leeds manager Daniel Farke was booked for his protests following Whiteman’s tackle on Bogle but felt his caution was unfair. Preston had taken the lead through Brad Potts in the 23rd minute. However, they conceded an equaliser in added time when Jack Whatmough inadvertently prodded Dan James’ cross into his own net. “I don’t want to judge the performance of the referee because actually I have a really good relationship with John [Busby] and rate him,” Farke told BBC Radio Leeds. “Obviously I was annoyed with the yellow card against myself. Whiteman was on a yellow and then there was a nasty tackle with a straight leg. It felt like at least a yellow card because it was a decisive foul and a nasty foul.” He continued, “I’m not sitting here after the game claiming for red cards but I can also see the reaction, he was substituted at half-time by Paul – an experienced manager, he knows what he has to do in such a moment.” Farke concluded, “It would’ve meant we played against 10 men. I think it would’ve been a decisive moment of the game. I’m allowed to ask why is it not a yellow card.”