Leeds United take on Huddersfield Town at Elland Road on Saturday in the Championship and Oliver Langford has been appointed as the referee. The Whites head into this fixture in second place, just a point behind league leaders West Bromwich Albion and five points clear of third-placed Fulham.
Langford’s assistants will be Paul Hodskinson and Robert Merchant with Ben Toner being named as the fourth official. Here’s how some of the club’s fans have reacted to the news of Langford’s appointment.
Are you concerned by Oliver Langford's appointment?
Yes
No
He’s dreadful.
— John Jay (@Surgeonofjay) March 3, 2020
Should be fun on Saturday then.
— Rob (@JuceeRob) March 3, 2020
Well theve got to slow our promotion push down again somehow
— john west (@JohnWest682) March 3, 2020
Wow that’s shocking
— Pete “Angel of Death” (@BadgeSmiley) March 3, 2020
This isn’t good…
— LUFC LS25 (@EastLeedsLad) March 3, 2020
So we now play against 12 men again ?
— John cannon (@Johncan76690633) March 3, 2020
What do we think?
Langford has taken charge of four Leeds United fixtures this season – three in the Championship and one in the second round of the EFL Cup (via Transfermarkt.co.uk). Of those fixtures, the Whites have lost two, drawn one and been beaten on penalties in the other – leaving a record that doesn’t make positive reading for those who support the club.
Since the start of the campaign, the referee has officiated 21 Championship fixtures and has handed out no fewer than 90 yellow cards. In our view, whilst the Whites’ record with Langford in charge isn’t great, it shouldn’t be used as an excuse before the teams have even taken to the field.