Leeds United 0 Middlesborough 0: Boro manager Aitor Karanka could face FA punishment over referee claims
The Spaniard reacted angrily after seeing one of his players sent off and a goal disallowed at Elland Road
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka risks being punished by the Football Association after suggesting that his team are being deliberately penalised by referees.
After watching his side's bid for promotion from the Championship stall again at Leeds - where a goalless draw left Middlesbrough without a win in five matches - the Spaniard reacted angrily to a disallowed goal in the first half and a red card for defender Ben Gibson in the second, claiming his side are treated differently from others.
Boro's new signing Jordan Rhodes had a goal ruled out before half-time when the officials ruled that the ball was out of play before Emilio Nsue supplied the cross from which Rhodes put the ball in the net. Middlesbrough players appeared to offer no more than a token protest to referee Craig Pawson but television replays suggested it was an incorrect decision.
Gibson was sent off late in the match for a second yellow card following a foul on substitute Lee Erwin, having been punished earlier for bringing down Mirco Antenucci. Adam Clayton, meanwhile, picked up his 10th caution of the campaign, triggering an automatic ban.
"It was a clear goal because the ball did not go out of play," Karanka said. "Again it is not the same for one team as for the other team. That's the reason I am frustrated.
"With the sending-off, maybe it is two yellow cards but I cannot understand why it is so easy to show us yellow cards. It is not the same for the other teams.
"If the referee makes a mistake, you can always understand. But I can't understand why the mistakes are always for the same team. It is not the first time. That's why I don't think they are mistakes."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments