Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 30 April 2026 9:30, UK

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Daniel Farke is unlikely to be happy to hear that Thomas Bramall is set to take charge of Leeds United’s clash against Burnley on Friday.

The referee was in charge of the Whites’ 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace last month, which saw a couple of key decisions go against the German’s team.

Leeds are hoping to all but confirm their safety in the Premier League against Burnley at Elland Road.

Relegation was confirmed for the Clarets last week, but they beat Farke’s team when the sides met earlier this season at Turf Moor.

Leeds’ form has improved drastically since then, although Sunday’s narrow defeat in the FA Cup semi-final to Chelsea has left disappointment.

Daniel Farke slammed Thomas Bramall after red card incident

Speaking on Wednesday, Farke confirmed that Leeds will be without Gabriel Gudmundsson for the visit of Burnley on Friday.

The Swede has been a hugely important player for the Whites since arriving last summer, and he will be missed.

After Bramall was appointed for the game by the Premier League, however, Farke may be somewhat relieved that the two will not cross paths again.

Last month, the Englishman attracted huge criticism when he sent off Gudmundsson in the first half of Leeds’ draw with Palace.

The defender had received a yellow card for his first foul and had just made his second, taking down Ismaila Sarr with a challenge that was not noticeably cynical or anywhere near worthy of a yellow card in itself.

Yet Bramall appeared to forget that he had already shown a first yellow, producing the card, then initially hesitating before delivering the red.

It was perhaps his decision not to show a second yellow card to Brennan Johnson for a worse challenge in the second half, his fourth foul, that wound Farke up even more.

Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m not sure there are really words needed, everyone in the stadium could see. It was not even close to a yellow card, there was no pace in the duel, it was not a tactical foul.

“Why he has decided to give a yellow, has forgotten this player is on a yellow and was himself surprised his decision means a sending off.

“When you compare this when Brennan Johnson [on a yellow] was there with a tackle with more pace, a clear tactical foul – it was not a yellow for me, I’m not asking for a yellow/red.

“But for Gabi, his second foul of the game, then the game is influenced in a key matter. Details make the difference, a player less makes 10 per cent difference more or less. Thank God we found a way to travel with a point.”

Leeds record when officiated by Bramall

Leeds have had five of their games officiated by Bramall, who is still a relatively new referee to the Premier League.

They have lost just one of the five, with that defeat coming against Tottenham at Elland Road in October.

Bizarrely, Bramall has overseen both fixtures between Leeds and Palace this season, also officiating December’s 4-1 home win at Elland Road.

Farke will hope that Friday’s game goes without the need for referee intervention, with Leeds aiming to blow Burnley away.