(Credit: Imago)
Tue 12 August 2025 10:26, UK
Leeds United kick off their Premier League season against Everton on Monday night, and will be hoping for a positive result to set the tone for the season.
Although every game in the top tier will be difficult, Leeds will need to pick up points in these types of home games to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding relegation.
Daniel Farke has built a strong side over the summer, with the likes of Lucas Perri, Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach expected to make their debuts in this match. The Leeds boss is still fighting to sign more players this week ready for Monday’s game.
However, some home fans might be punching the air after seeing who has been appointed as referee.
Daniel Farke is still busy trying to sign more players for Leeds (Credit: Imago)Chris Kavanagh appointed referee for Leeds vs Everton
In theory, Leeds fans should be treated to a higher standard of refereeing in the Premier League compared to the Championship, especially when you consider that VAR will be used in all of their league games.
However, Chris Kavanagh has been appointed as referee for their opening league match, and the home supporters will likely have some unhappy memories of him.
- In 2022, as Leeds were chasing an equaliser against Arsenal, Kavanagh awarded them a penalty and sent off Gunners defender Gabriel for the foul, only to reverse his decision and downgrade the punishment to a yellow card after being summoned to the VAR screen. Leeds lost 1-0.
- Kavanagh also disallowed a Leeds goal in their FA Cup fifth-round tie with Fulham in 2023. The decision was described as ‘ridiculous’ by BBC pundits, and it helped ensure Leeds were knocked out.
Leeds United’s record under Chris Kavanagh
Kavanagh has refereed Leeds nine times in the Premier League. The Whites have won two of those games and lost seven.
He’s only been in charge twice at Elland Road in the top tier, and Leeds lost both of those games.
That is why Farke and Leeds supporters alike will be concerned.
However, this is no time to worry about superstition. Leeds have built a strong team and should have enough about them to get something from the game.
Some decisions will go against them this season. As a team expected to be fighting against relegation, they may not get the rub of the green as often as they would like. They’ll have to be mentally strong enough to overcome such controversies and pick up points anyway.
All Premier League fans will be crossing their fingers and praying that the VAR protocol is improved so that poor decision-making affects fewer games than ever.
Sign up for the MOT Leeds News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Leeds United news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts